WHO says 'evidence emerging' airborne COVID-19 spread may be a threat indoors
The World Health Organization on Tuesday acknowledged 'evidence emerging' of airborne transmission of COVID-19 in indoor spaces.
In a briefing today, the WHO revealed plans to release updated recommendations for avoiding the coronavirus this week.
It's like they missed the memo from way back in... April. The NIH article titled, Airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2: The world should face the reality.'
WATCH NOW: WHO holds briefing after scientists say airborne transmission of coronavirus is a "real risk" https://t.co/UbTYbCezkb pic.twitter.com/a0dCOmTrEz
- CBS News (@CBSNews) July 7, 2020
Excerpt from Reuters:
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.
The WHO has previously said the virus that causes the COVID-19 respiratory disease spreads primarily through small droplets expelled from the nose and mouth of an infected person that quickly sink to the ground.
More via Twitter, below.
More than 200 scientists have outlined evidence that they say shows the novel coronavirus can spread in tiny airborne particles, urging the @WHO to update its guidance. Read our story on what we know so far about airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2. https://t.co/903llcCp7A
- Scientific American (@sciam) July 7, 2020
NEW: @WHO acknowledges that airborne transmission of the coronavirus may be a threat in indoor spaces. Plans to release updated recommendations in a few days.
w/ @Jjimen05 @linseymarr @BillHanage @allegranzib @doctorsoumyahttps://t.co/ciDXIRIjCs
- Apoorva Mandavilli (@apoorva_nyc) July 7, 2020
#BREAKING: WHO: The evidence for airborne transmission in Covid19 "is growing" but it is not definitive yet.
- Amichai Stein (@AmichaiStein1) July 7, 2020
Challenged on letter from over 200 scientists saying they are underestimating risk of airborne transmission of #COVID19 @WHO officials now seem to suggest airborne cannot be ruled out.
- Imogen Foulkes (@ImogenFoulkes) July 7, 2020
The John Hopkins Covid-19 tracker has infections over 11.5 million. That is roughly an increase of about 1 million infections in a weeks time.
- Crystal Goomansingh (@cgoomansingh) July 7, 2020
As for airborne transmission the WHO says it has been working with those who raises it in the article for many months. Have acknowledged it as a possible mode of transmission. Encouraged this research. Evidence emerging but more research needed.
- Crystal Goomansingh (@cgoomansingh) July 7, 2020