The guidelines by WHO claim that coronavirus spreads primarily through the salivary droplets or small particles emitted from the nose and mouth of an infected person while talking, sneezing or coughing. However, as reported by the New York Times on 4th July 2020, Saturday, hundreds of scientists are claiming that the novel coronavirus is airborne, can be carried through small particles present in the air, and are thus recommending to revise its guidelines for the same.Â
According to the New York Times, scientists claim that the coronavirus can be carried by large droplets that may be present in the air after an infected person sneezes or coughs, or by much smaller exhaled droplets that may glide the length of a room. Either way, the virus can be transmitted through the air, thus making it airborne. However, the health agency has said that this claim is not supported by strong and convincing evidence.Â
“Especially in the last couple of months, we have been stating several times that we consider airborne transmission as possible but certainly not supported by solid or even clear evidence”, Dr. Benedetta Allegranzi, WHO’s Technical Lead of Infection Prevention and Control, quoted to the New York Times.Â
Image Source – The Week
