FILE PHOTO: A computer image created by Nexu Science Communication in conjunction with Trinity College in Dublin shows a structurally representative model of a betacoronavirus which is the type of virus linked to COVID-19, better known as the coronavirus linked to the outbreak of Wuhan, shared with Reuters on February 18, 2020. NEXU Science Communication / via REUTERS
(Reuters) – Hundreds of scientists say there is evidence that the new, smaller particulate coronavirus in the air can infect people and are asking the World Health Organization to review the recommendations, the New York Times reported Saturday. .
The WHO has said that coronavirus disease spreads mainly from person to person through small drops from the nose or mouth, which are expelled when a person with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
In an open letter to the agency, which the researchers plan to publish in a scientific journal next week, 239 scientists in 32 countries described the evidence showing that smaller particles can infect people, the NYT nyti.ms/2VIxp67 said.
The WHO did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.
Whether carried by large droplets that rise through the air after a sneeze, or by much smaller exhaled droplets that can glide across a room, the coronavirus is airborne and can infect people when infected. inhale, according to scientists, according to the NYT.
However, the health agency said the evidence for the virus in the air was unconvincing, according to the NYT.
“Especially in the past few months, we have been repeatedly claiming that we believe airborne transmission is possible, but it certainly is not supported by strong or even clear evidence,” said Dr. Benedetta Allegranzi, technical leader for infection prevention and control at The OMS. quoted by NYT.
Rama Venkat report in Bangalore; Editing by Lisa Shumaker
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