The Department of Health has clarified the reports that there can be a possibility of spreading the coronavirus disease or COVID-19 through air.
Health Assistant Secretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire said that the virus can only be airborne in confined hospital settings. Vergeire said that the latest studies show that COVID-19 is still transmitted through droplet transmissions and close contact with a person infected with the disease.
The health official is responding to the US study that said that droplets released in the air from an infected person could remain viable and still contagious for at least three hours.
“Ito pong artikulong ito ay tinutukoy nila mga setting ng ospital… So ‘yung airborne na sinasabi is in a confined hospital setting,” she said.
“Ito pong sakit na COVID-19 is still transmitted through droplet transmissions and close contact,” she added.
The World Health Organization said that COVID-19 could be fatal for the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions, but 80 percent of cases can recover.
COVID-19 symptoms may include fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea.
