BY ANALOU DE VERA
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More than 200 scientists across the globe said that there is a possibility of airborne transmission of the virus that causes the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledged this, saying that there is “emerging evidence” of airborne spread of the coronavirus (SARS CoV-2).
“We acknowledge that there is emerging evidence in this field, as in all other fields regarding the COVID-19 virus and pandemic. And therefore, we believe that we have to be open to this evidence and understand its implications regarding the modes of transmission and also regarding the precautions that need to be taken,” said Dr. Benedetta Alleganzi, WHO Technical Lead for Infection Prevention and Control on Wednesday.
To note, the main mode of transmission of the COVID-19 is through droplets.
“Droplet transmission occurs when a person is in close contact with someone who has respiratory symptoms (e.g., coughing or sneezing) and is therefore at risk of having his/her mucosae (mouth and nose) or conjunctiva (eyes) exposed to potentially infective respiratory droplets. Transmission may also occur through fomites in the immediate environment around the infected person,” the WHO said.
PROTECTION
The Department of Health (DoH) continues to advocate the observance of the minimum health standards such as wearing of mask, physical distancing, observing cough etiquette, proper handwashing to reduce the risk of contracting the respiratory illness — reminding the public to always be cautious.
With this emerging evidence about COVID-19, it is imperative for the public to be extra careful, said Dr. Edsel Salvana, an infectious disease specialist at the University of the Philippines’ National Institutes of Health.
“This possibility of airborne transmission is not new, and even if the evidence is far from definitive, it is always prudent to take precautions,” said Salvana.
Salvana said that the public should avoid talking without a mask, particularly in enclosed areas such as elevators.
“Everyone else needs to be meticulous with cloth or surgical mask wearing.
Avoid crowded areas and enclosed spaces with poor ventilation,” said Salvana.
NO KARAOKE SESSION
“Singing has also been implicated in superspreader events, so no karaoke for now. Do not eat together at work as this has also been associated with clusters,” he added.
Salvana also advised the public to avoid non-essential travel.
“Limit trips outside the house and practice physical distancing, work from home if possible, and disinfect regularly,” he said.
“COVID-19 is beatable if we all work together and if everyone does the right thing to protect each other,” he added.
