Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in atmospheric aerosol as a surveillance and alert tool for the transmission of COVID-19

Between the incubation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the appearance of symptoms, there is a period in which those infected are highly infectious and breathe out viral particles that could contribute to a detectable increase in said particles in the atmosphere prior to the appearance of symptoms . These viral particles have been detected in air filters collected in Italy. The objective of this project is to explore and exploit this gap between peak infectivity associated with expiration of viral particles and the presence of symptoms, to propose an alert network and facilitate the design of emergency plans and action measures that allow reducing the impact of future COVID-19 episodes in the well-being of the population and the economy. The objective of this project is to explore and exploit the lag between peak infectivity associated with expiration of viral particles and the presence of symptoms, in order to propose an alert network and facilitate the design of emergency plans.