According to the recent reports in New York claims that 239 scientists from 32 countries. Have written an open letter to the World Health Organization (WHO). That the virus causing COVID-19 can remain airborne for a period of time and thus send itself. The scientists have outlined the evidence showing that smaller particles can infect people. And are calling for the agency to revise its recommendation. The paper titled It Is Time to Address Airborne Transmission of COVID-19 is likely to published in a scientific journal next week.
A respiratory infection such as COVID-19 transmitted through droplets of different sizes. If the droplets particles are larger than 5-10 microns in diameter. They referred to as respiratory droplets if they are smaller than 5 microns in diameter. They referred to as droplet nuclei. According to current evidence, the COVID-19 virus is primarily transmitted between people. Through respiratory droplets and contact routes. Yet, the letter written by the scientists suggests aerosol transmission too can happen.
The WHO’s viewpoint is that droplets containing the virus, produced during the speech. Coughing, sneezing, etc, are larger than 5-10 microns in diameter and eventually succumb to gravity. And fall to the ground after traveling less than 1 meter. The 239 scientists, but are citing evidence that the virus can be present in droplet nuclei. That does travel distances longer than 1 meter and can remain in the air for a longer time. If this can establish, it will mean that the risk of transmission is higher than before thought.
A New Revelation?
As per the WHO, the airborne transmission may be possible in specific circumstances and settings. These include settings in which procedures that generate aerosols performed. Endotracheal intubation, bronchoscopy, open suctioning, administration of nebulized treatment. Manual ventilation before intubation turning a patient to the prone position. Disconnecting a patient from the ventilator non-invasive positive-pressure ventilation tracheostomy and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The WHO has stated that “Initial findings need to interpret carefully.” If the evidence cited has to examine. Researchers will look at the specific settings in which the virus found airborne. The duration for which the virus found staying in the air, and, most importantly. Whether the virus continues to be infectious throughout this duration.
FACT: #COVID19 is NOT airborne.
The #coronavirus is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks.
To protect yourself:
-keep 1m distance from others
-disinfect surfaces frequently
-wash/rub your 👐
-avoid touching your 👀👃👄 pic.twitter.com/fpkcpHAJx7— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) March 28, 2020