The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has already claimed 533,780 lives and has infected over 11,000,000 worldwide and 239 scientists coming from 32 countries came together to pool evidence that proves that the virus is airborne.
In an open letter to the World Health Organization (WHO) these scientists have asked the agency revise their recommendations to the public after their evidence proved that even smaller particles can infect healthy individuals.
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Scientific studies have shown that when a COVID-19-infected person sneezes producing large droplets or even when the same person produces exhaled smaller droplets that glide through the room, the airborne droplets have been proven to infect others.
“If we started revisiting airflow, we would have to be prepared to change a lot of what we do. I think it’s a good idea, a very good idea, but it will cause an enormous shudder through the infection control society,” said Mary-Louise McLaws, a committee member and epidemiologist at the University of New South Wales in Sydney in a report from The New York Times.
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The WHO still maintains its stance that the airborne transmission is only possible after particular medical procedures that produce aerosols or droplets smaller than 5 microns, in its report to the public as of June 29.
“Especially in the last couple of months, we have been stating several times that we consider airborne transmission as possible but certainly not supported by solid or even clear evidence,” said WHO Technical Lead on Infection Control Dr. Benedetta Allegranzi.
Instead, the agency continues to promote the importance of regular and thorough handwashing to keep healthy individuals safe from the virus.
