6'+? Increased Chance of Contracting COVID-19

"The results of this survey in terms of associations between height and diagnosis suggest downward droplet transmission is not the only transmission mechanism and aerosol transmission is possible." 

"This has been suggested by other studies, but our method of confirmation is novel. Though social distancing is still important because transmission by droplets is still likely to occur, it does suggest that mask-wearing may be just as if not more effective in prevention."

"But also, air purification in interior spaces should be further explored."

University of Manchester Professor Evan Kontopantelis

Associated Press NBA reporter Brian Mahoney records video while covering a protest in New York. 

Associated Press

The results of a new survey on COVID-19 cannot be taken entirely for granted without further verification, but the results are interesting. What they posit is that some circumstances make it likelier for certain categories of people to contract the virus causing COVID-19 than the average individual not included in the highlighted category. For example, in judging the chances of becoming infected, an international team of researchers reached the conclusion that:

• Being 6 ft. or taller increases the chance of contracting COVID by 2.2 times;
• Being an extrovert: 50 percent increase;
• Working with reduced earnings: 2.9 time increase;
• Sharing kitchen facilities: 2.2 time increase;
• Being laid off or unemployed: 5.6 time increase.

The research team surveyed 2,000 people in Britain and the United States to arrive at their conclusions, by studying whether personal attributes and work and living practices could influence transmission of the virus. Taller people were found at higher risk, leading the scientists to venture the opinion that the virus was transmitting through the air; height alone would not account for people contracting COVID through droplet transmission.

Droplets are larger than aerosols, thought to move fairly short distances before abruptly dropping. Whereas aerosols can accumulate within poorly ventilated areas, and air currents carry them about. The baseline risk for anyone testing positive for coronavirus in the study was seen to be between five and ten percent, however, anyone taller than six feet acquired double the risk of contracting the novel coronavirus.

In addition to which, co-sharing a kitchen or accommodations was yet another condition viewed as a significant factor both in the United States and the United Kingdom, for COVID infection rate increase. In the U.S. particularly so, where the odds were 3.5 times as high, compared to Britain where they were 1.7 times greater.