I wonder if a virus is the same with regards to contagiousness when it's in a lab, "live," and when it's outside in the air or when someone who is infected sneezes etc.
Isn't it the same thing? Aren't they both "live"?
Because as far as I know, when dealing with "live viruses," scientists of course wear full hazmat suits and the environment is sealed and contained etc. and if someone were to suggest using a plain surgical mask/cloth etc. for "protection," it'd be taken as a joke.