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