WHO new guidelines for coronavirus airborne transmission - here’s what you should do

• 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.

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.

WHO further stressed on the urgent requirement to conduct further research on the airborne transmission of COVID-19.

“Many unanswered questions about transmission of SARS-CoV-2 remain, and researchers seeking to answer those questions is ongoing and is encouraged,” it said.


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