Get Latest updates :
  • Home
  • Register
  • Log In
  • Contact Us
News and Updates around World
  • Automotive
  • Business
  • Education
  • Entertainment
  • Health & Fitness
  • Real Estate
  • Sports
  • Technology
  • Travel
  • World News
  • Automotive
  • Business
  • Education
  • Entertainment
  • Health & Fitness
  • Real Estate
  • Sports
  • Technology
  • Travel
  • World News
No Result
View All Result
News and Updates around World
No Result
View All Result
Home Business

US public health agency makes a U-turn, says coronavirus can spread indoors in updated guidance

US public health agency makes a U-turn, says coronavirus can spread indoors in updated guidance
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Synopsis

For months, the CDC has said that the virus spreads mainly through small airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Most CDC guidance about social distancing is built around that idea, saying that 6 feet is a safe buffer between people who are not wearing masks.

coronavirus can spread more than 6 feet through the air, especially in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials maintained that such spread is uncommon and current social distancing guidelines still make sense.

However, several experts faulted the updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance. They said the virus can spread more easily than the CDC seems to be indicating, and suggested that the public should wear masks even in prolonged outdoor gatherings when they are more than 6 feet apart.

The virus “is traveling through the air and there is no bright line. You’re not safe beyond 6 feet. You can’t take your mask off at 6 feet,” said Dr. Donald Milton of the University of Maryland School of Public Health.

For months, the CDC has said that the virus spreads mainly through small airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Most CDC guidance about social distancing is built around that idea, saying that 6 feet is a safe buffer between people who are not wearing masks.

In interviews CDC officials have also acknowledged growing evidence that the virus can sometimes spread on even smaller particles called aerosols that spread over a wider area.

In the update posted on its website, the agency again acknowledged recent research showing people with COVID-19 infected others who were more than 6 feet away or shortly after an infected person left an area. CDC officials called those “limited, uncommon circumstances.”

In those cases, spread occurred in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces where people were doing activities that caused heavier breathing, like singing or exercise, CDC officials said.

People can protect themselves by staying at least 6 feet away from others, wearing a mask, washing their hands, cleaning touched surfaces and staying home when sick

Last month, the CDC ignited controversy among experts when it quietly posted an update that seemed to suggest the agency’s position had changed, and then within days took it down again.

The short-lived post said the virus can remain suspended in the air and drift more than 6 feet, and officials emphasized the importance of indoor ventilation. It also added singing and breathing to the ways the virus can go airborne.

Federal health officials later said the post was a mistake and that it had been released before full editing and clearance was completed. They said there was no major change in the agency’s position, but they would finalize a post to clarify the CDC’s thinking. That’s what was posted Monday.

A small group of researchers – including Milton – on Monday published a letter in the journal Science that called for clearer public health guidance about how coronavirus spreads in the air.

They said health officials need to use clearer language in talking about the size of airborne particles and droplets that can spread the disease, and be more straightforward about the role that viruses in small aerosols can play in infecting people.

Masks and good ventilation are crucial indoors. But they can be important outdoors too, said Linsey Marr of Virginia Tech.

(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.)

Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily Market Updates & Live Business News.

Also Read

Read More

ShareTweetPin

Related Posts

Must Have Items for Your Cleaning Business
Business

Must Have Items for Your Cleaning Business

by vixus sky
April 19, 2022
‘Travesty of justice’, Muslim Personal Law Board moves SC against HC verdict on hijab
Business

‘Travesty of justice’, Muslim Personal Law Board moves SC against HC verdict on hijab

by Benjamin Obescu
March 29, 2022
CM Yogi Adityanath, Akhilesh Yadav take oath as members of UP Assembly
Business

CM Yogi Adityanath, Akhilesh Yadav take oath as members of UP Assembly

by Benjamin Obescu
March 29, 2022
Shanghai starts China’s biggest COVID-19 lockdown in 2 years
Business

Shanghai starts China’s biggest COVID-19 lockdown in 2 years

by Benjamin Obescu
March 29, 2022
BKU leader Rakesh Tikait receives ‘death’ threat; complaint filed
Business

BKU leader Rakesh Tikait receives ‘death’ threat; complaint filed

by Benjamin Obescu
March 29, 2022

Premium Content

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das tests positive for coronavirus

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das tests positive for coronavirus

October 27, 2020
Moon Knight Finale Episode 6 Review: Jake Lockley Finally Makes An Appearance, Show Ends With Flying Colours

Moon Knight Finale Episode 6 Review: Jake Lockley Finally Makes An Appearance, Show Ends With Flying Colours

May 4, 2022
IPL 2021: Two KKR Players Test Positive For Covid-19, Match vs RCB Rescheduled

IPL 2021: Two KKR Players Test Positive For Covid-19, Match vs RCB Rescheduled

May 4, 2021

Browse by Category

  • Automotive
  • Business
  • Education
  • Entertainment
  • Health & Fitness
  • Real Estate
  • Sports
  • Technology
  • Travel
  • World News

© 2020 Nicardo.com

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • World News
  • Technology
  • Real Estate
  • Education
  • Travel
  • Health & Fitness
  • Automotive

© 2020 Nicardo.com