Contents
Hundreds of scientists from around the world signed an open letter addressed to the World Health Organization (WHO). Researchers suggest that the coronavirus may float in aerosols that are exhaled by humans and emitted when we speak. So they urge WHO and other health organizations to explain more accurately and honestly how the coronavirus spreads from person to person. The researchers’ initiative was reported, among others, by «New York Times» and «CNN».
How is COVID-19 spread? WHO position paper
The letter addressed to the World Health Organization and other agencies responsible for health protection was signed by 239 scientists from 32 countries. According to «CNN», the document is to be published on Monday in the medical journal «Clinical Infectious Diseases».
The World Health Organization takes the position that the coronavirus spreads between people primarily through respiratory droplets that infected people excrete when they cough, sneeze or speak. As reported by WHO, these droplets are relatively heavy and do not spread far – hence it is important to keep the appropriate distance from other people.
- Cough with coronavirus infection – what is it characterized by?
The WHO also points out that infected droplets can fall on objects and surfaces around the infected, such as tables, door handles and handrails. «People can get infected by touching these objects or surfaces and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Therefore, it is important to wash your hands regularly with soap and water or clean them with an alcohol-based disinfectant »warns WHO.
- Why are soap and warm water effective against the coronavirus?
Of course, the WHO emphasizes that it is monitoring research on how COVID-19 spreads on an ongoing basis and provides updated results.
Scientists call on WHO to change its recommendations
In an open letter addressed, inter alia, to to the World Health Organization, 239 scientists point out that the coronavirus can be transmitted not only through large droplets emitted when coughing or sneezing. SARS-CoV-2 can also be found in the haze emitted by breathing and speaking. Researchers suspect that it may be transmitting through the air. Consequently, they urge the organization to revise its recommendations.
As the New York Times emphasizes, in early April, experts called on the WHO to consider emerging evidence that the coronavirus can also spread through the air. Lidia Morawska, a professor of environmental engineering and an expert in aerosols at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia, emphasizes that scientists have been discussing the potential transmission of the coronavirus in the air since February. Prof. Morawska and other scientists note several incidents that indicate transmission of the virus in the air, especially in poorly ventilated and crowded rooms.
They say the World Health Organization is making an artificial distinction between fine sprays and larger drops, even though infected people secrete both.
Experts: WHO should recommend the best possible protection
Prof. Benedetta Allegranzi, an infection control specialist at the WHO, said the evidence of airborne spread of the virus was not convincing. “ We have stated on several occasions over the past few months that we consider coronavirus airborne transmission possible but certainly not backed by solid or even clear evidence, ” she said, adding: “ There is a lively debate.
Many experts believe that, even without definitive evidence, the WHO should recognize the “worst features of the virus” and recommend the best possible protection.
There is no compelling evidence that SARS-CoV-2 travels or is largely carried by aerosols, but there is absolutely no evidence that it is not, said Dr. Trish Greenhalgh, GP at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. Britain. – If we make a mistake, it will be a disaster.
Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, chief scientist for the World Health Organization, emphasizes that agency staff are trying to evaluate new scientific evidence as quickly as possible, but “without compromising the quality of their reviews”. She added that the agency will try to broaden its expertise and communication. – When journalists, scientists or anyone else say that we can do even better, we take it seriously.
Have a question about the coronavirus? Send them to the following address: [email protected]
You may be interested in:
- Coronavirus outbreak. An experiment in an Italian town showed that isolation made sense
- New research suggests that wearing masks is effective in reducing the spread of SARS-CoV-2
- 10 compulsory hand washing situations