Kathmandu, May 9. On Saturday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) released new guidelines stating that the SARS-CoV-2 (CoronaVirus) is airborne and can be transmitted through fine droplets released during respiration.

CDC announced “People release respiratory fluids during exhalation (e.g., quiet breathing, speaking, singing, exercise, coughing, sneezing) in the form of droplets across a spectrum of sizes. These droplets carry virus and transmit infection.”

According to the guidelines, the virus can infect people who are even six feet away. This is because the smallest droplets and aerosol particles released from exhalation can remain suspended in the air for hours. Staying indoor with an infected person for 15 minutes or more is considered highly risky. However, the chances of transmission in outdoor settings are comparatively lower.

Last month, Lancet medical journal had made strong claims that the virus appears to be airborne and can be transmitted through the air. Researchers from the UK, US and Canada had claimed that the existing measures did not recognize the virus as airborne thus, allowing the infection to spread. 

According to the CDC, The most effective measure for prevention is avoiding crowded indoor spaces, maintaining physical distance, using well-fitting masks and face shields as well as preferring well-ventilated open spaces. These measures prevent inhalation of virus as well as the deposition of virus on exposed skin.