Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Understanding transmission routes for COVID-19 and similar acute respiratory infections in open public spaces is crucial for effective public health strategies.
• Limited evidence exists on the specific transmission dynamics of these viruses in outdoor environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review available evidence on the transmission of COVID-19 and similar acute respiratory infections in open public spaces.
• To identify factors influencing transmission risk in outdoor public settings.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across Embase, PubMed, and medRxiv for articles published between 2000 and 2020.
• A rigorous screening process involved multiple researchers reviewing titles, abstracts, and full texts to ensure study selection accuracy.
• Discrepancies in article selection were resolved through consensus among researchers.

Main Results:

• The presence of viruses on public surfaces, in wastewater, or in outdoor areas was not found to be indicative of transmission.
• Key preventive measures such as mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and social distancing were identified as effective in reducing transmission risk.
• Avoiding mass gatherings and managing individual mobility in public spaces were also highlighted as important risk reduction strategies.

Conclusions:

• While virus presence in the environment may not directly correlate with transmission, individual protective behaviors are vital for mitigating risk.
• The findings can inform public health recommendations for managing respiratory infections in open public spaces.
• Continuous updates to this review are recommended as scientific evidence evolves.