The missing layer in COVID-19 studies: Transmission of enveloped viruses in mucus-rich droplets

Abstract Here we evaluate the influence of mucus layers on the evaporation time and transport of enveloped viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Enveloped viruses must remain moist to be fully infective. Yet, the simple but enduring Wells model based on water droplets divides respiratory droplets into either quickly evaporated aerosolized particles termed droplet nuclei (