A group of 239 scientists in 32 countries is asking the World Health Organization to review its recommendations to account for airborne transmission as a significant factor in the way the coronavirus is spread, the New York Times reports.
The panorama: The WHO has said that the virus is spread mainly through large respiratory droplets that fall to the ground once they have been released by coughing and sneezing. But scientists say evidence shows that the virus can spread from smaller particles that remain in the air indoors.
Because it is important: In fact, if airborne transmission is a significant factor, it would require major adjustments in efforts to contain the virus, according to the Times.
- Masks would be needed indoors, even if people distance themselves socially.
- Healthcare workers may need N95 masks that filter out the smallest drops while caring for patients with coronavirus.
- Air ventilation systems in public spaces would need new powerful filters.
- It would probably require ultraviolet lights to kill the viral particles floating inside.
The other side: Benedetta Allegranzi, WHO technical leader for infection control, rated the evidence that the coronavirus is not convincing in the air.
- “Especially in the past few months, we have been repeatedly asserting that we believe airborne transmission is possible, but it certainly is not supported by solid or even clear evidence,” he said, according to the Times. “There is a strong debate about this.”
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