Agencies

Some recent experiments are suggesting the possibility of the virus being circulated in much smaller droplets (aerosol) with diameter less than 5 micrometres, as opposed to the earlier belief that the virus-laden droplets do not move a long distance.

A debate around the mode of transmission of the virus causing COVID-19 has re- surfaced recently. It started with a commentary supported by 239 scientists which raised the concern of airborne transmission of the virus. Following this, even the World Health Organisation has come out with fresh guidelines including the chance of airborne transmission of the virus.

However, the exact character of the airborne transmission and how far it could affect people are still inconclusive.

Let�s first begin what defines airborne transmission. It is when an infectious agent spreads through aerosol (droplet nuclei) and remains suspended in the air carrying the infectious capacity for a prolonged period over a long distance. Earlier during the progression of the pandemic, it was thought that viral particles in the form of droplets come out from an infected person when they cough or sneeze. These droplets are large enough to keep floating for hours in the air and also don�t move a long distance. That�s why the emphasis was on maintaining a distance of 6 feet was laid upon.