On Tuesday,8 July, the World Health Organization acknowledged that there is “emerging evidence” that the novel coronavirus may be airborne after an open letter by over 200 scientists from across the world.
A WHO official said that airborne transmission in crowded, closed or poorly ventilated spaces cannot be ruled out, reported the BBC.
If it is found, after further studies, that coronavirus can be spread through suspended particles in the air it would have major implications for public safety guidelines.
As of now, the WHO says that to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 we must focus on hand hygiene and maintain physical distance. We must be wary of coming into contact with droplets especially through an infected persons nose or mouth.
The WHO did recognise airborne transmission but only in aerosol-generating procedures in hospital settings.However, with new emerging evidence they are now considering the likelihood of airborne transmission.
Livemint reported that Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s technical lead on the covid-19 pandemic said, "We have been talking about the possibility of airborne transmission and aerosol transmission as one of the modes of transmission of covid-19.”
As the WHO reviews the evidence, the Indian government has already advised at least a 1-meter distance between people to limit the spread of the virus.
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