Scientists Warn Coronavirus Could Be Airborne, Urge WHO To Revise Guidelines
Image via Shutterstock
Hundreds of scientists have written an open letter to the World Health Organization to revise its recommendations regarding the novel coronavirus, according to the New York Times.
The WHO has said that the virus spreads most commonly through small droplets expelled from the nose or mouth when a COVID-19 patient coughs, sneezes, or speaks. In contrast, 239 scientists from 32 countries are now noting that the virus could be airborne and might infect people through smaller particles in the air.
The open letter will be published next week to explain how smaller particles can infect people as it is airborne and can spread through inhalation. However, the New York Times reported that the health agency did not find the evidence convincing enough.
“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 Dr Benedetta Allegranzi, the WHO’s technical lead of infection prevention and control, per the New York Times.
The WHO has been releasing information about the virus via its website and social media pages.
[via Reuters, cover image via Shutterstock]
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