scientists says coronavirus is airborne

WHAT IS AIRBORNE DISEASE?

An airborne disease is any disease that is caused by pathogens that can be

transmitted through the air over time and 

distance by small particles.

The relevant pathogens may be viruses, bacteria, or fungi.

They may be spread through breathing, talking, coughing, sneezing, raising of dust, spraying of liquids, toilet flushing or 

any activities which generate aerosol particles or droplets

CURRENT NEWS

More than 200 scientists from 32 nations have written to the WHO,

Saying there is evidence that the coronavirus is airborne and even smaller particles can infect people.

HOW DOES IT DIFFER 

FROM WHO?

A respiratory infection such as Covid-19 is transmitted through droplets of different sizes.

If the droplets particles are larger than 5-10 microns in diameter, they are referred to as respiratory droplets.

If they are smaller than 5 microns in diameter, they are referred to as droplet nuclei. (Aerosols)

The World Health Organization has long held that

The coronavirus is spread primarily by large respiratory droplets that, once expelled by infected people in coughs and sneezes, fall quickly to the floor.

But in an open letter to the W.H.O.,

The scientists have outlined the evidence 

showing that smaller particles can infect people,

Thus calling for the agency to revise its 

recommendations.

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT?

If this can be established, it will mean that 

the risk of transmission is higher than 

previously thought.

Masks may be needed indoors, even in socially-distant settings.

Health care workers may need N95 masks that filter out even the smallest respiratory droplets as they care for coronavirus patients.

Ventilation systems in schools, nursing homes, residences and businesses may need to minimize recirculating air and add powerful new filters.

Ultraviolet lights may be needed to kill viral particles floating in tiny droplets indoors.

WHAT WHO SAYS ON THE REPORT?

The WHO has stated that “Initial findings need to be interpreted carefully.”

If the evidence being cited has to be examined, researchers will look at the specific settings in which the virus was found airborne, the duration for which 

the virus was found staying in the air,

Most importantly, whether the virus continues to be infectious throughout this duration.

W.H.O. infection control guidance, before and during this pandemic, has heavily promoted,

The importance of handwashing as a primary prevention strategy, even though there is limited evidence for transmission of the virus from surfaces.