Elevators are a crucial in getting many people back to the office — but experts say they could be coronavirus transmission hotspots

The coronavirus typically spreads via droplets when an infected person is in close proximity to others.  Viral particles can also live on surfaces like plastic and stainless steel for days. That makes elevators in apartment buildings and offices risky. Experts recommend increasing air flow in potentially crowded, indoor spaces to lower infection risk. Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.

If you live in a sixth-story walk-up apartment, or your office is dozens of floors up in a high-rise, riding an elevator might be unavoidable.

But research suggests the coronavirus spreads best in places where people are within 6 feet