“Corona Virus is airborne” quote 239 scientists in an open letter to WHO. Amidst an exorbitant spike in the Corona Virus cases everyday. Several scientists have claimed that the virus is airborne. And can infect people via other mediums than direct transfer.
On Saturday, 239 scientists from 32 countries wrote an open letter to the World Health Organization claiming that the COVID-19 infection is airborne and can be transferred by inhaling the infected particles.
This recommendation comes as opposed to the earlier report by WHO which stated that the virus can only be transmitted through the large droplets expelled by the infected person’s cough or sneeze. These droplets when fall on a surface, contaminates it and thus the virus spreads. Therefore, the organization strongly advised people to sanitize or wash their hands repeatedly as a preventive measure.
Virus Is Airborne?
However, On June 29, the health agency released an update. Saying that the transmission of virus through air is only possible via medical procedures. That produce aerosols or droplets smaller than 5 microns. These procedures include Tracheal intubation. Also Non-invasive ventilation, etc. which are performed by professional health care workers and thus the risk is only posed to them.
According to New York Times, the scientists in their letter stated that “whether carried by large droplets that zoom through the air after a sneeze, or by much smaller exhaled droplets that may glide the length of a room, the Corona Virus is born through air and can infect people when inhaled”.
However, the health agency says that there is a lack of enough evidence to substantiate this claim made by the scientists, reported The New York Times. “Especially in the last couple of months, we have been stating that several times that we consider airborne transmission as possible but certainly not supported by solid or even clear evidence” said Dr. Benedetta Allegranzi, WHO’s technical lead on infection control.
WHO had last month also updated its recommendation on masks. Advising people to wear them especially in the community or health care settings.
Even after months of lock down in several countries and tightening of borders. The novel Corona Virus has so far claimed more than 5,00,000 lives in the world. And the number is surging everyday.
