THE US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention refreshed the guidance available on its website, which now suggests the novel coronavirus can spread “through respiratory droplets or small particles, such as those in aerosols,” which are also produced when a person exhales.
The CDC claims that airborne viruses, including COVID-19, are among the most contagious ones.
The Update
The website previously claimed that the virus was thought to spread primarily between those in close contact, approximately six feet, and “through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.”
That page was updated on Friday. It still says that the virus usually spreads between people who are in close vicinity to each other, and it now reads that the novel virus can spread “through respiratory droplets or small particles, such as those in aerosols, produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, sings, talks or breathes.”
Those particles can lead to infection when inhaled. Scientists believe that’s the primary way the virus spreads.
There is growing evidence that droplets and airborne particles can remain suspended in the air and be breathed in by others, and travel distances beyond 6 feet (for example, during choir practice, in restaurants, or fitness classes),” the page reads.
Also, the site warns that indoor environments without proper ventilation enhance the risk of infection.
Safety Measures
The CDC promoted maintaining a “good social distance” of approximately six feet, washing hands and frequently cleaning and disinfecting surfaces you come in contact with, and covering your nose and mouth with a mask when close to others.
This is what the site reads now:
“Stay at least 6 feet away from others, whenever possible,” and continues to direct people to wear a mask and routinely clean and disinfect. However, it also now says people should stay home and isolate when sick, and “use air purifiers to help reduce airborne germs in indoor spaces.”