WHO Accepts COVID-19 Could be Airborne
The WHO has acknowledged that COVID-19 can be airborne. Watch our latest video, for all the details.
On 6th June an open letter by 239 scientists from 32 countries was published in Clinical Infectious Diseases Journal. The letter was for the medical community, as well as national and international bodies saying that COVID-19 could spread through air. The letter showed evidence that microdroplets and virus particles released by infected patients, during exhalation, talking, and coughing are small enough to remain in the air and can infect people at up to 2 metres distance. The WHO had earlier said that COVID-19 only spreads through small water droplets from nose or mouth, which come out while coughing or sneezing. They had said that it was not airborne.
After the release of the letter, Benedetta Allegranzi, the WHO's technical lead for infection prevention and control, said at a virtual press conference, “ It is possible that in crowded, closed, poorly ventilated areas, small virus particles of COVID-19 could float in the air and infect people. However, this needs to be researched. Proof still needs to be collected and properly understood.” So far, WHO as well as various other medical associations have encouraged people to regularly wash hands, maintain social distance, and precautions against coming in contact with droplets. If it is confirmed that the virus can spread through air, then countries across the world will have to make changes to their safety guidelines.
