CDC first posted, and then retracted its take on how the coronavirus spreads from person to person through small droplets in the air.
The CDC has said that the virus spreads mainly through small airborne droplets, which fly through the air when someone coughs or sneezes. The agency’s guidance around social distancing is built around that idea, saying that six feet is a safe buffer between people who are not wearing masks.
CDC officials have also acknowledged growing evidence that the virus can sometimes spread on even smaller, aerosolized particles or droplets that spread over a wider area, via several interviews. That is one reason why public health experts urge people to wear masks, which can stop or reduce contact with both larger droplets and aerosolized particles.
Ever since the outbreak of the virus, the agency spoke little about the aerosolized particles. But, on Sept.18, the CDC posted an update that discussed the particles in more detail, which changed the agency’s position. The post said the virus could remain suspended in the air and drift more than 6 feet. The officials also emphasized on the importance of indoor ventilation. The post also added singing and breathing to the ways the virus can go airborne.
However, on Sept 21, the agency retracted the post. The federal health officials posted a disclaimer on their website, saying that the “post was a mistake” and that it had been “released before full editing and clearance was completed”. However, the agency did not immediately release a revised statement.
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.
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