It has been 5 months since COVID-19 wreaked havoc in the lives of people across the world. But till this date, scientists and doctors are not able to completely decode the nature of this deadly virus. Every day we all learn something new about COVID-19. Recently, about 289 scientists have claimed that coronavirus is airborne.
Taking cognizance of the situation, WHO has revised its COVID-19 transmission guidelines. However, we all are still unclear about how the virus can spread via air. To shed light on this matter, Professor Wendy Barclay of Imperial College, London, spoke to BBC about it.
According to Professor Wendy Barclay, the COVID-19 infectious particles can remain in air for up to 1 hour. Therefore, COVID-19 doesn’t just spread via contaminated objects and droplets, it can also spread through air carrying infectious particles.
To prove this theory, a research is being carried out. In the course of this research, COVID-19 virus particles were purposefully sprayed in air. The results proved that the virus particles can remain in air for up to 1 hour. However, despite the evidence, WHO officials suggest that COVID-19 spreads primarily through droplets expelled out via coughs and sneezes. The officials further add that the air-borne transmission of the virus in poorly ventilated conditions cannot be undermined.
Further studies are being conducted by various institutes across the world to confirm this claim. If these claims indeed are true, then the guidelines for social distancing indoors will change too. Patients recovering from COVID-19 infection must always wear a mask to avoid risking lives of those who are vulnerable.
The COVID-19 virus keeps revealing a new face under its mask everyday. Scientists and doctors are baffled by how such a tiny virus can have such a great impact on the entire world. And honestly speaking, so are we. Hopefully, as the time goes by, the situation will take a turn for the better and the world will be a jovial place to live in, once again!