WHO Acknowledges 'Evidence Emerging' Of Airborne Spread Of Coronavirus

The World Health Organization on Tuesday acknowledged “evidence emerging” of the spread of Coronavirus through air.

“We have been talking about the possibility of airborne transmission and aerosol transmission as one of the modes of transmission of COVID-19,” Maria Van Kerkhove, technical lead on the COVID-19 pandemic at the WHO, told a news briefing.

Earlier, 239 scientists from 32 countries claimed that the virus particles float in the air and can infect people who breathe them in.

Scientists also claimed that many such cases have been seen.

Media briefing on #COVID19 with @DrTedros https://t.co/VpsVJPDu6s

— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) July 7, 2020

Ms Van Kerkhove said the WHO would publish a scientific brief summarising the state of knowledge on modes of transmission of the virus in the coming days.

“This includes not only physical distancing, it includes the use of masks where appropriate in certain settings, specifically where you can't do physical distancing and especially for healthcare workers,” she said.

Maria van says that in the coming days the WHO will issue a detailed report on the infection of the virus. She said that an expanded package of interventions would be needed to prevent infection. This will not only involve physical distance, but it will become necessary to wear masks for certain places.

At the same time, Benedetta Alligranji, who is leading the prevention and control of infection of WHO. She admitted that there is evidence of coronavirus infection spreading in the air but it is not conclusive. She said that airborne infections are likely to spread in public places but they can be described, they cannot be dismissed.

Earlier, the WHO had claimed that the virus spreads mainly through the nose and mouth of an infected person and it is possible to prevent infection from a distance of at least three and a half feet.

But now if the virus spreading through the air is fully proved, then the distance of three and a half feet and the rules of physical distancing will have to be changed.