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Written by LILAC member Dana Song
On Monday, September 21st, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) accidentally posted false information regarding airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2. The post said that coronavirus spreads through airborne particles that remain in the air for a long time and can travel beyond six feet.
The World Health Organization (WHO) contacted the CDC about this information later on the same day, because there had not been any new evidence on airborne particles. The WHO said that Covid-19 spreads primarily when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breaths because the respiratory droplets will be passed which will infect others. There are studies that showed Covid-19 could spread through aerosols which are suspensions of micro solid, liquid, or gas particles. The organization has been monitoring studies on whether coronavirus could actually be airborne.
Many recent studies have suggested that coronavirus could spread through the air. A study published by the National Institutes of Health discovered that coronavirus particles released by talking could remain in the air from eight to fourteen minutes. Another study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that Covid-19 particles were detectable for up to 3 hours in aerosols.
There is no conclusive evidence that indicates the virus is spread primarily by air, however, the possibility of airborne transmissions cannot be ruled out. If the virus is airborne then masks are needed more than ever. So make sure to always wear a mask when going out, especially to crowded places, and stay safe!