Novel coronavirus doesn't spread airborne: WHO

New Delhi : The World Health Organisation's (WHO) South-East Asia office on Monday said that the novel coronavirus doesn't spread airborne. However, there has been a reported possibility of aerosol transmission in a relatively closed environment with prolonged exposure.

The statement released by the WHO office says: "Airborne spread hasn't been reported for #COVID19. Chinese authorities reported the possibility of aerosol transmission in a relatively closed environment with prolonged exposure like ICUs-CCUs in hospitals, but more epid data analysis is needed to understand this."

Dr Poonam Khetarpal Singh, Regional Director, WHO Southeast Asia, said: "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 mostly spread through respiratory droplets (for instance when a sick person coughs) and close contact. This is WHO recommends hand and respiratory hygiene."

According to CDC,COVID-19 spreads by follwing means-

Person-to-person spread

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Can someone spread the virus without being sick?

People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).

Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

How easily the virus spreads

How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.

The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community ("community spread") in some affected geographic areas.