There is emerging evidence that transmission of coronavirus can be airborne, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has acknowledged.
This news was released by the WHO after a group of scientists urged the global body to update its guidance on how the respiratory disease passes between people.
The WHO previously said the virus that causes Covid-19 spreads primarily through small droplets expelled from the nose and mouth of an infected person, and that these quickly sink to the ground. But more than 200 scientists in 32 countries wrote an open letter to the United Nations agency, outlining evidence that they say shows floating virus particles from exhalation can infect people who breathe them in.
Professor Benedetta Allegranzi, technical lead for infection prevention and control, commented that “The possibility of airborne transmission in public settings – especially in very specific conditions, crowded, closed, poorly ventilated settings that have been described, cannot be ruled out.”
She added that although results were not definitive, the evidence requires sufficient focus and attention before any guidelines on transmission prevention could be updated. “We believe that we have to be open to this evidence and understand its implications regarding the modes of transmission, and also regarding the precautions that need to be taken.”