The transmission of COVID-19 is airborne.

The WHO acknowledges the new evidence that COVID-19 could spread by tiny particles suspended in the air, but says that further assessment is required.

The WHO acknowledges the new evidence that COVID-19 could spread by tiny particles suspended in the air, but says that further assessment is required.The World Health Organization (WHO) has maintained that the virus spreads through droplets when someone coughs or sneezes. However, those droplets do not linger in the air but fall onto surfaces, which is why washing hands has been identified as a key prevention measure. On July 4, The New York Times reported that in an open letter to the WHO, 239 scientists outlined evidence showing that the virus can spread through the air. They said that much tinier particles float around for hours after people talk, or breathe out.

It acknowledged that such a manner of spreading could occur in specific settings like enclosed and crowded spaces. That finding eventually led to broader use of masks, even indoors, but WHO also said that the current evidence is preliminary, and required further assessment.

The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a lot of potentially dangerous misinformation. For reliable advice on COVID-19 including symptoms, prevention and available treatment, please refer to the World Health Organisation or your national healthcare authority.