Scientists say COVID-19 is airborne, ask WHO to revise recommendations

Numerous scientists across the globe have reportedly sent an open letter to WHO (World Health Organization) seeking the health agency to revise recommendations regarding the novel coronavirus.

As per credible reports, around 239 scientists from 32 countries have outlined the evidence in an open letter to WHO stating that COVID-19 can be transmitted through air and can infect people when inhaled, either through large droplets after a sneeze or by smaller exhaled droplets.

However, the health agency was not convinced by the evidence that the virus is airborne, sources claimed.

According to WHO, the virus is transmitted from person to person through small droplets from the mouth or the nose, which are released when an individual suffering from COVID-19 coughs, speaks or sneezes.

WHO’s technical lead in infection prevention and control Dr. Benedetta Allgranzi was reported saying that the agency has been long supporting the fact that COVID-19 can be transmitted through air, however, it could not produce any solid evidence.

Moreover, the health organization’s recent update on the virus stated that airborne transmission of COVID-19 is possible following specific medical procedures that produce droplets smaller than 5 microns or aerosols.

As per industry experts, airborne transmission of the virus can be a major factor in the pandemic, particularly in crowded spaces with improper ventilation. Masks would be required to be worn indoors as well as in socially distant settings.

Healthcare workers may require N95 masks that help in filtering out smallest respiratory droplets while treating coronavirus patients, experts cite.

COVID-19 has infected up to 11.4 million people while 6.16 million people have been recovered. Moreover, the mortality numbers owing to the virus have surpassed 500,000. 

Source Credits –

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/covid-19-coronavirus-airborne-who-12904090

https://indianexpress.com/article/coronavirus/coronavirus-is-airborne-say-scientists-ask-who-to-revise-recommendations-6492040/

https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/239-experts-with-1-big-claim-the-coronavirus-is-airborne/76798936 (Additional information)

https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/ (Notably)