Research with serious ramifications for aged care and retirement living operators.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has conceded that there is “evidence emerging” of the airborne spread of coronavirus after a group of scientists urged the global health body to update its guidance on how the respiratory illness is transferred between people.
“We have been talking about the possibility of airborne transmission and aerosol transmission as one of the modes of transmission of COVID-19,” Maria Van Kerkhove, technical lead on the COVID-19 pandemic at the WHO, told a news briefing.
The WHO’s current guidance states that the virus spreads mainly through small droplets expelled from the nose or mouth of an infected person when they cough, sneeze or speak that quickly fall to the ground.
But in an open letter to the WHO earlier this week, 239 scientists from 32 countries pointed to evidence that they say shows floating virus particles in the air can infect people who breathe them in.
This would make poorly ventilated rooms, buses and other confined spaces dangerous even if people were maintaining 1.5 metre physical distancing.
Ms Van Kerkhove says the WHO will now publish a brief on the different ways of transmission of the virus.
“A comprehensive package of interventions is required to be able to stop transmission,” she added.
“This includes not only physical distancing, it includes the use of masks where appropriate in certain settings, specifically where you can’t do physical distancing and especially for healthcare workers.”
Unlike hospitals, aged care homes do not have air-conditioning systems that filter air to reduce the spread of viruses.
If the WHO changes its guidance, will they recommend the use of masks in settings where close contact is unavailable such as residential care?
During his press conference yesterday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison acknowledged the potential for the WHO guidance on the use of face mask to be revised, but said the National Cabinet would continue to follow the advice of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC).
Watch this space then.
