Is COVID-19 Airborne?

Well the data is actually conflicting. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) has stated there is not enough compelling evidence to determine that COVID-19 is airborne some scientists disagree. A handful of scientists state that there is preliminary evidence that COVID-19 is airborne transmitted and gathering scientific data may take years and cost lives. 

So, what exactly does airborne mean?

Well to be transmitted airborne the infectious particle must be smaller than 5 micrometers in diameter, known as an aerosol. Aerosols may be produced by talking and breathing and may travel and stay in the air longer. For now, the WHO considers COVID-19 to be a droplet, which is larger, and transmission is by short distances after someone coughs or sneezes and before falling to the floor or onto other surfaces. WHO states that the exception to this is in medical contexts, such as disconnecting a patient from the ventilator. 

For now, it is better to assume that airborne transmission is possible unless other experimental evidence rules this out. That means the suggestions of wearing a face mask is strongly encouraged. If you do not have a face mask (as many are being saved for medical health care workers) you may choose to use a cotton cloth, such as a bandana, which may aid in stopping the spread. Per the WHO website, evidence pertaining COVID-19 is rapidly emerging and recommendations may change as more is learned. 

Reference: 

1.    https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-00974-w. Accessed on April 5, 2020

2.    https://www.who.int/news-room/commentaries/detail/modes-of-transmission-of-virus-causing-covid-19-implications-for-ipc-precaution-recommendations. Accessed on April 5, 2020