The World Health Organization is looking for a report that indicated its information on the emerging corona virus (Covid-19) needs to be updated, after some scientists told the New York Times that there is evidence that the virus can spread through very small particles in the air.
The World Health Organization says Covid-19 is transmitted mainly through small particles of flying mist that comes out of a person’s nose or mouth through coughing, sneezing, talking, laughing and falling to the surface.
The newspaper reported that 239 scientists in 32 countries presented the evidence in an open letter to the Geneva-based World Health Organization, which they said showed that particles that come out with exhalation could infect people who inhale them.
The newspaper pointed out that these small particles can be suspended in the air for a longer time, so the scientists who intend to publish their findings in a scientific journal this week urged the organization to update its guidance on the disease.
"We are familiar with the article and we are discussing its contents with our technical experts," WHO spokesman Tariq Jasarevich said in an email response to Reuters' request for comment.
The extent of Corona's transmission through the air remains controversial. Any change in the WHO assessment of the risk of transmission would affect its current guidance spaced at least one meter apart.