Scientists say coronavirus is airborne

Hundreds of scientists said there are indications that smaller particles of the new coronavirus circulating in the air can infect people and are asking the World Health Organization (WHO) to review its recommendations, reported the New York Times on Saturday (4). The WHO said the disease is transmitted primarily from person to person through small droplets of the nose and mouth that are expelled when a person with Covid-19 coughs, sneezes or speaks. In an open letter to the agency, which researchers plan to publish in a scientific journal next week, 239 scientists from 32 countries outlined evidence indicating that smaller particles can contaminate people, the New York Times said. "We are aware of the article and are reviewing its contents with our technical experts," WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic said in an emailed response to a reuters request for comment. Whether transmitted by large droplets that travel through the air after a sneeze or by much smaller droplets that, expelled, can pass through the extent of a room, the coronavirus is airborne and can infect people when inhaled, scientists said, according to the NYT. But the health agency said the evidence is not convincing, always according to the newspaper. "Especially in the last two months, we have said several times that we consider airborne transmission possible, but certainly not proven by firm or even clear evidence," said Dr. Benedetta Allegranzi, who is who's chief technical infection prevention and control officer, according to an NYT citation.