The research paper of this study is likely to be published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases next week. Respiratory infection such as Kovid-19 spreads through droplets of different sizes (sprinkles or drops). Particles larger than 5–10 μm in the diameter are considered respiratory droplets, while particles smaller than 5 μm are nuclei droplets. It means that wearing a mask becomes more important than ever. It might be possible that N-95 masks, which are used by clinicians in hospital settings, could now be recommended to prevent aerosol transmission, subject to availability, and depending on the health condition of a person.
An open letter from more than 200 scientists had accused the WHO of underestimating the possibility of airborne transmission.
According to the WHO, the virus of Kovid-19 spreads mainly among people through respiratory droplets and contact routes. However, a letter written by scientists suggests that it can also be an aerosol transmission, ie an infection spread through the air.
Until recently, most public health guidelines have focused on social distancing measures, regular hand-washing and precautions to avoid droplets.