Scientists from 32 countries wrote a letter to WHO, published in the New York Times, to warn of possible contamination by very fine droplets.
In a letter published in the New York Times, 239 researchers from 32 countries alert the World Health Organization (WHO) to the potential transmission of the coronavirus in the air.
According to them, the virus could travel via fine droplets, dispersed by light aerosols.
So far, the World Health Organization says that the coronavirus is spread mainly by large respiratory droplets expelled by infected people who cough, sneeze and twinge. Another case: in a publication on June 29, the virus is generally not airborne. Aerosol contamination would be possible in medical procedures, where there is a spray of particles (droplets less than 5 microns) in the air (intubations, bronchoscopies, cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
The New England Journal of Medicine had questioned researchers who reiterated the idea that by speaking or sneezing, humans eject droplets highly conducive to the spread of the virus.
However, scientists believe that fine particles, suspended in the air, are likely to be able to pass through rooms. They believe that ventilation systems for schools, retirement homes, residences and businesses may need to minimize air recirculation and add new powerful filters.
Similarly, caregivers may also need N95 masks that filter the smallest respiratory droplets when caring for patients with coronavirus.
Because the risk is, according to them, even greater in closed, poorly ventilated and overcrowded spaces, where several people are in close contact for a long time. They therefore request a review of the health recommendations.
"In the past two months, we have repeatedly stated that we consider airborne transmission to be possible, but certainly not supported by solid or even clear evidence," said Dr. Benedetta Allegranzi, technical manager at WHO in the fight against infections, can be read in the NYT. "There is a strong debate on this subject".
"If we start to review the airflow issue, we have to be ready to change a lot," Mary-Louise McLaws, committee member and epidemiologist at the University of New Wales, told NYT. South to Sydney. "I think it is a good idea, a very good idea, but it will cause a huge thrill in infection control in society", she added.
The wearing of the mask would thus be necessary, even indoors despite the distances. Case to follow …