SARS-CoV-2 aerosol spread ‘can occur with poor ventilation’
Updated US advice suggests that although airborne spread is uncommon, respirators would be prudent for prolonged care, says AMA Victoria president
New US advice on airborne transmission of COVID-19 reinforces the need for respirators for prolonged care of patients infected with COVID-19, says AMA Victoria’s president.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published new advice on Tuesday noting that COVID-19 could spread through the air “under special circumstances”.
“These transmission events appear uncommon and have typically involved the presence of an infectious person producing respiratory droplets for an extended time in an enclosed space,” the advice says.
Known cases of airborne spread were in enclosed spaces, buildings with poor ventilation or among people performing prolonged respiratory exertion, such as singing or exercising, the CDC said.
