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Comment by strictfp | Hacker News Reader

Avoiding public transport goes a long way when avoiding colds. Could that be it?

I would certainly think so except I live In Tokyo and people commuted in some of the most crowded trains in the world all through March 2020 until now. The numbers finally started rising in November 2020 but the morning rush hour trains have stayed packed in like sardines the entire time. IIRC at the highest amount of commute avoidance passenger numbers were down 20% (last April) but if you've ever been on a rush out train in Tokyo you know even 50% down would still be considered over crowded in most other cities.

I have no idea why that didn't cause spread like crazy. The only thought that comes to mind is nearly full face mask compliance but who knows?

Masks and opening the windows seem to be enough to make it safe. The issue is not having air circulation just as much as it is being near people.

I suspect the US loves telling you to wash your hands to distract you from how they've designed all office windows to never open.

They get sued if someone jumps out. Many of thee older buildings that could open have them fixed shut now.

It’s more because of cost/energy savings due to air conditioning.

The issue is people switch to permamently closed windows, but „forget” to track co2, which causes a ton of issues with office work.

I know I get sick every time I take a plane :/

I read that typically about 20% of passengers will catch a bug on a commercial flight. The main problem seems to be contaminated surfaces, not air recirculation. A flight steward told me that wearing gloves drastically cut down on infections among the staff.

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