The CDC Deletes COVID-19 Guidelines Claiming They Were Published By Accident
Image via Shutterstock
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) posted new guidance on COVID-19 regarding airborne transmission, and then deleted it days later.
According to CNN, the health protection agency acknowledged what many scientists had been saying for months—that the coronavirus might spread through small airborne particles and linger in poorly ventilated spaces.
The website previously stated that the virus was commonly spread “through respiratory droplets or small particles, such as those in aerosols, produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, sings, talks or breathes.” This means that a person can inhale these particles through their nose, mouth, airways, and lungs and be infected by the virus. “This is thought to be the main way the virus spreads,” the CDC added.
The CDC also emphasized it had found evidence that droplets and airborne particles could be suspended in the air and breathed in by others even if they were standing six feet apart.
The organization concluded that indoor environments without good ventilation could increase the risk of the COVID-19 transmission. It also listed out examples of possible places with high-risk airborne transmissions, which included choir practice, restaurants, and fitness classes.
However, these new guidelines were removed on Monday, and the CDC announced that a “draft version” was posted in error on the agency’s website.
The agency declared that it is currently “updating its recommendations” regarding airborne transmission and will be posting the amended advice after finalizing its guidelines.
The website no longer mentions airborne transmission, and retains its previous advice on keeping a safe distance between each other, washing hands often and staying home as much as possible.
BREAKING
— David Elfstrom (@DavidElfstrom) September 20, 2020
CDC changes COVID-19 guidance, airborne is primary way the virus spreads, touching surfaces is NOT the main way. #Ventilation is important, as it goes beyond 6 ft and remains suspended in the air.
H/T @jljcolorado & @jmcrookston pic.twitter.com/8EZ86q3V6i
CDC draft language here. This is now posted. The airborne statement, which was accurate, has been deleted pending further review. We are so far behind now and no guidance can be anticipated. I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on tv, but take my advice: it means #WearADamnMask pic.twitter.com/saTH1h6LLk
— Juliette Kayyem (@juliettekayyem) September 21, 2020
[via VICE, cover image via Shutterstock]
Also check out these recent news
