Hospitals acknowledge COVID-19 virus transmission can be airborne, UP expert says

An infectious disease expert from University of the Philippines (UP) on Tuesday said that hospitals in the country have been aware that the virus causing COVID-19 can be airborne.

Interviewed on GMA’s Unang Hirit, UP’s Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology director Dr. Edsel Salvana said they are doing measures in light of this possibility.

“Kahit dati naman po, sinasabi naman ng World Health Organization  (WHO), lalo na sa mga hospital na kung saan gumagawa po kami ng procedures na puwede pong maging airborne ‘yung virus,” he said.

“Pinagamit talaga ang mga healthcare workers noong mga tinatawag na N95,” he added.

Salvana made the statement in response to the calls of hundreds of scientists asking WHO to revise its recommendation about the transmission of the disease.

The WHO said the coronavirus disease spreads primarily from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, which are expelled when a person with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, or speaks.

At least 239 scientists in 32 countries outlined the evidence showing that the novel coronavirus in smaller particles in the air can infect people.

Salvana clarified that there was actually no disagreement whether the virus can be airborne or not, as he underscored that the considered “main mode” of transmission is through respiratory droplets.

“Wala naman talagang dispute kung may airborne o wala. Nagbabago po talaga 'yung knowledge natin dahil nadadagdagan po sa mga pag-aaral,” he said.

“Lalo na kapag malakas ang aircon o sarado 'yung settings, meron pong characteristics na maaaring nag-contribute to airborne spread. Pero 'yung main mode pa rin niya is 'yung respiratory droplet,” he added.—AOL, GMA News