Dr Poonam Khetarpal Singh, regional director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) South-East Asia region, reported that there is no airborne case of the COVID-19 known yet.
Addressing a press conference, Singh said on Monday: “Airborne spread has not been reported for COVID-19. Based on the information received so far, and on our experience with other coronaviruses, COVID-19 appears to spread mostly through respiratory droplets (for instance those produced when a sick person coughs) and close contact. This is why the WHO recommends maintaining hand and respiratory hygiene.”
She mentioned that Chinese authorities think that there could be a possible aerosol transmission in confined spaces with prolonged exposure to high concentrations of aerosols. This includes ICUs and CCUs in hospitals.
She added that more testing is needed to get the data on aerosol transmission and understand this mode.
Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove head of WHO’s emerging diseases and zoonosis unit, said clearly on 16th March that, people who are in the communities don't wear a medical mask unless they themselves are sick because this prevents them from infecting someone else. But healthcare workers who are doing an aerosol-generating procedure, recommend airborne precautions.
That simply means, there may only chances of airborne spread amongst healthcare workers, but so far none of such cases are reported.
Also make sure to stay away from rumors and understand facts of corona virus recommended by WHO.
