Signs COVID-19 Transmission Is Airborne

Studies showed that the COVID-19 virus has been large-droplet-borne, and therefore, the CDC introduced all the measures and guidelines accordingly.

It’s been over a year that the COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting the global population. We were hoping that there will not be any second wave of the coronavirus, but the reality is far worse. During this wave, the researchers are suggesting that COVID-19 transmission is airborne.

“A team of researchers/ experts has looked at the research available in The Lancet and has concluded that there is a consistent and strong evidence showing that the primary transmission route of the novel Coronavirus is airborne.”

As the virus is airborne, we need to follow relevant measures to stop the spread. Failure in doing so can lead to negative consequences. In this phase, frequent hand washing and deep cleaning are less required. People need to focus on proper ventilation. They should also monitor the oxygen levels. Apart from proper ventilation, people should also wear well-fitted masks in public. They should give proper attention to 3Cs –  avoid any close contact, avoid visiting crowded places, and avoid closed spaces (poor ventilation)).

Why is COVID-19 now being called airborne?

According to the commentary published in ‘The Lancet’ on April 15, here are the following reasons to consider that coronavirus is airborne.

• There have been events where the pattern of coronavirus transmission has been similar to airborne spread as droplets. It is considered that fomites can’t cause the spread at this level.
• The long transmission cases have been reported in the quarantine hotels, where infected patients never stayed in the same room.
• The asymptomatic cases account for at least up to 59% of global COVID transmission all transmission globally, and these patients can spread the virus through speaking by producing a few large droplets.
• Transmission is lesser in well-ventilated and outdoor spaces than indoor/enclosed spaces.
• The coronavirus traces have been found in the air filters and building ducts of the hospitals and the car of an infected person. Some experiments show that the coronavirus can stay in the air for up to 3 hours.
• New infections have been reported in healthcare organizations despite using PPE kits and taking precautions to curb the spread (as per droplet transmission).
• Some studies show that uninfected pets who were kept separated from infected animals in different rooms sharing common air ducts showed the signs of transmission.
• Even for other dominant routes like fomite or respiratory droplets, the evidence is limited.
• There are limited resources that show COVID-19 spreads through clothes, surfaces, furniture, or other objects.

If you still have doubts that COVID-19 isn’t airborne and want some more information about the COVID-19 situation, stay tuned to the Wise Rx Discount Card blog!