WHO Acknowledges Possibility of Airborne Spread of Coronavirus, New Guidelines May Be Released

On Jul 10, 2020

New Delhi : The World Health Organization has now accepted the possibility of coronavirus spreading through air. Maria van Kerkhove, technical head of the World Health Organization, said that the possibility of the coronavirus staying in the air and spreading through the air cannot be ruled out. Especially in crowded places or places where air movement is not good, i.e. ventilation is less, there the coronavirus can spread through the air.

However, the World Health Organization said that the expert will be consulted about this and new guidelines can also be released soon. Experts are of the opinion that even if the coronavirus spreads through the air, the rules of social distancing and use of masks will have to be followed. But the social distance of 1 meter can be increased further.

239 scientists from 32 countries wrote an open letter to the World Health Organization, stating that the WHO should believe that the coronavirus can spread not only through the breath but also from fine particles in the air.

Earlier, it has been believed that the infection of coronavirus spreads to another human being by sneezing or coughing or touching it. But now it is believed that particles of the coronavirus may also be present in the air. So people have to be more careful.

The WHO said another important thing that the infection of coronavirus is spreading rapidly, although the epidemic is yet to reach the peak. According to the data of the World Health Organization, more than 10 million people worldwide are suffering from coronavirus and 5 lakh 35 thousand people have lost their lives due to this disease.

CSIR DG Shekhar Mande said, “If a person sneezes or coughs, more than 10 microns of large particles come out, then they sit on the ground or on some surface. But if the particles are 5 microns or smaller then they can remain in the air for 10 to 15 minutes.” He further said, “To avoid this, everyone should continuously apply masks. Especially a sick person if he is laughing, coughing or sneezing. If someone is speaking loudly, singing in a loud voice, then also these particles can remain in the air.”