Coronavirus is airborne: 239 scientists to WHO

  • IASbaba
  • July 7, 2020
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Coronavirus is airborne: 239 scientists to WHO

Part of: Mains II and III – Health issue; Science – Health and Medicine

In news:

  • 239 scientists from 32 countries have warned that Coronavirus has a great risk for airborne spread and WHO needs to revise guidelines.
  • If airborne transmission is a significant factor, especially in crowded spaces with poor ventilation, the consequences for containment will be significant.

Do you know?

  • According to current evidence and as per WHO, Covid-19 virus is primarily transmitted between people through respiratory droplets and contact routes.
  • Airborne transmission means a person can contract the disease by breathing in the infected air as the tiny pathogens stay suspended in the air. 
  • Some of the most common examples of airborne diseases include chickenpox virus, influenza virus, norovirus and adenovirus.

Things to keep in mind if Coronavirus is airborne:

  1. Face-coverings and face-masks may be made mandatory even while practising social distancing, especially indoors or in crowded areas
  2. Large social gatherings to be avoided
  3. Proper ventilation and minimising the recirculation of air may be needed at offices, educational institutes and hospital settings
  4. Usage of ultraviolet lights to kill aerosols suspended in the air in closed settings
  5. Physical distancing and washing hands is still very important
  6. Health care workers may all need to wear N95 masks
  7. When indoors, one simple thing people can do is to open their windows and doors whenever possible

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