WHO acknowledges that COVID-19 is airborne

On July 7, 2020, the World Health Organization acknowledged that COVID-19 is airborne.

Highlight

Around 200 scientists from national and international organizations submitted an open letter that was published in Clinical Infectious Diseases journal. The letter said that COVID-19 is airbone. The letter also submitted evidenced that the micro droplets and virus particles released by COVID-19 patients while talking, exhalation and coughing were capable to remain in air. They pose risk of exposure to people up to two metres distance. Also, the letter proved the potential for inhalation exposure to viruses at short to medium distances.

Background

The WHO had so far not recognized the airborne transmission of COVID-19. Now with world wide researches and proofs the international body has acknowledged that COVID-19 is airborne. This will lead to change in guidelines in prevention of COVID-19. In turn, several countries will have to change their social distancing guidelines.

guidelines.

When it is said, COVID-19 is airborne, it means that COVID-19 spreads through air (aerosols).

Difference between Aerosol and Droplets

So far, the WHO believed that COVID-19 spreads only through droplets. Droplets are heavy and larger in diameter as compared to aerosols. Due to their weight, droplets are pulled down to the floor more quickly by gravitational forces.

On the other hand, aerosols are droplets that are of the diameter 5 microns. They are merely acted upon by gravity. Rather they are acted upon by wind easily. This increases the chances of transmission as compared to droplets.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2020