'Coronavirus Is Airborne,' Claim 239 Scientists Across Globe, Ask WHO To Revise Recommendations In Open Letter

Now, 239 scientists from 32 countries claim that the novel Coronavirus is airborne. They have written an open letter to WHO to look into indoor airborne transmission.

(Photo by Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)

New Delhi: In an open letter to the World Health Organization, 239 scientists from 32 countries have said that the pandemic causing novel Coronavirus is in fact airborne. These scientists from around the world appeal to the World Health Organization and authorities to mitigate indoor airborne transmission. The 239 scientists from 32 countries come from many different areas of science and engineering, including virology, aerosol physics, flow dynamics, exposure and epidemiology, medicine, and building engineering. According to a press release by the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), “Studies by the signatories and other scientists have demonstrated beyond any reasonable doubt that viruses are exhaled in microdroplets small enough to remain aloft in the air and pose a risk of exposure beyond 1 to 2m by an infected person,” said Professor Lidia Morawska, director of the International Air Quality and Health Laboratory, QUT. Professor Morawska who is leading this research and her team have drawn out measures that need to be taken to check airborne transmission:

• Provide sufficient and effective ventilation (supply clean outdoor air, minimize recirculating air) particularly in public buildings, workplace environments, schools, hospitals, and aged care homes.
• Supplement general ventilation with airborne infection controls such as local exhaust, high-efficiency air filtration, and germicidal ultraviolet lights.
• Avoid overcrowding, particularly in public transport and public buildings.

ALSO READ| Mankind Pharma Renders Humanitarian Gesture Towards 'Covid-19 Warriors', Supports Families Of Deceased Cops With Rs 5 Crore Donation But despite the appeal, according to The New York Times report, Dr. Benedetta Allegranzi who is the World Health Organization’s technical lead on infection control had said earlier  that the evidence that coronavirus is airborne is unconvincing. “Especially in the last couple of months, we have been stating several times that we consider airborne transmission as possible but certainly not supported by solid or even clear evidence.” Dr. Allegranzi was also quoted saying that “There is a strong debate on this.” With India nearing 7 lakh cases, the spread of this disease is concerning. According to new data, India has surpassed Russian and has become the third worst hit nation with Coronavirus.