MUSCAT: The World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged that there is “evidence emerging” that the coronavirus can be spread by tiny particles suspended in the air.
Benedetta Allegranzi, the WHO’s technical lead for infection prevention and control, said that evidence emerging of airborne transmission of the coronavirus in “crowded, closed, poorly ventilated settings that have been described, cannot be ruled out”.
An open letter from more than 200 scientists to WHO revealed the possibility of airborne transmission and outlined the evidence they say shows floating virus particles can infect people who breathe them in.
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The WHO has so far maintained that the virus is transmitted through droplets when people cough or sneeze.
“However, the evidence needs to be gathered and interpreted, and we continue to support this.” Allegranzi said.
The new acknowledgement will force a change in the advice the WHO gives about how to stop the pandemic. —- Agencies
