WHO new guidelines for coronavirus airborne transmission - here’s what you should do
Jul 10, 2020, 13:55 IST
- The WHO said there is a possibility of aerosol transmission along with droplet transmission in indoor crowded spaces like fitness classes or restaurants.
- It further said airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes COVID-19 is possible in health care settings where medical procedures — aerosol-generating procedures — result in tiny droplets called aerosol.
- WHO further stressed on the urgent requirement to conduct further research on the airborne transmission of COVID-19.
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The World Health Organisation on July 10 issued new guidelines for coronavirus transmission — acknowledging the possibility that COVID-19 might spread in the air under certain conditions. The WHO said there is a possibility of aerosol transmission along with droplet transmission in indoor crowded spaces like fitness classes or restaurants. It further said airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes COVID-19 is possible in health care settings where medical procedures — aerosol-generating procedures — result in tiny droplets called aerosol
“WHO continues to recommend droplet and contact precautions when caring for COVID-19 patients and airborne precautions when and where aerosol generating procedures are performed,” the guidelines read.
What measures should be taken to break the chain —
- Identify suspect cases as quickly as possible, test, and isolate all cases (infected people) in appropriate facilities.
- Identify and quarantine all close contacts of infected people and test those who develop symptoms so that they can be isolated if they are infected and require care;
- Use fabric masks in specific situations, for example, in public places where there is community transmission and where other prevention measures, such as physical distancing, are not possible;
- Use of contact and droplet precautions by health workers caring for suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients, and use of airborne precautions when aerosol-generating procedures are performed;
- Continuous use of a medical mask by health workers and caregivers working in all clinical areas, during all routine activities throughout the entire shift;
- At all times, practice frequent hand hygiene, physical distancing from others when possible, and respiratory etiquette; avoid crowded places, close-contact settings and confined and enclosed spaces with poor ventilation; wear fabric masks when in closed, overcrowded spaces to protect others; and ensure good environmental ventilation in all closed settings and appropriate environmental cleaning and disinfection.
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