CDC revises guidelines to state COVID-19 can be spread by airborne transmission

The CDC updated their guidance today concerning how people can contract COVID-19 to include airborne transmission.

COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person to person, including between people who are physically near each other (within about 6 feet). People who are infected but do not show symptoms can spread the virus to others.

According to the CDC, COVID-19 most commonly spread:

Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

Through respiratory droplets or small particles, such as those in aerosols, produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, sings, talks, or breathes.

These particles can be inhaled into the nose, mouth, airways, and lungs and cause infection. This is thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Droplets can also land on surfaces and objects and be transferred by touch. A person may get COVID-19 by touching the surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. Spread from touching surfaces is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

According to the CDC, there is evidence that under certain conditions, people with COVID-19 seem to have infected others who were more than 6 feet away through airborne transmission. These transmissions occurred within enclosed spaces that had inadequate ventilation. Sometimes the infected person was breathing heavily, for example while singing or exercising.

Under these circumstances, scientists believe that the amount of infectious smaller droplet and particles produced by the people with COVID-19 became concentrated enough to spread the virus to other people. The people who were infected were in the same space during the same time or shortly after the person with COVID-19 had left.

Available data indicate that it is much more common for the virus that causes COVID-19 to spread through close contact with a person who has COVID-19 than through airborne transmission

How easily a virus spreads from person to person can vary. Airborne viruses, including COVID-19, are among the most contagious and easily spread. Some viruses are highly contagious, like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. The virus that causes COVID-19 appears to spread more efficiently than influenza, but not as efficiently as measles, which is highly contagious. In general, the more closely a person with COVID-19 interacts with others and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread.

At this time, the risk of COVID-19 spreading from animals to people is considered to be low.

It appears that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread from people to animals in some situations. CDC is aware of a small number of pets worldwide, including cats and dogs, reported to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after close contact with people with COVID-19. Learn what you should do if you have pets.
Protect yourself and others

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. You can take steps to slow the spread.

-Stay at least 6 feet away from others, whenever possible. This is very important in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Pandemics can be stressful. During times of increased physical distancing, it is still important to maintain social connections and care for your mental health.

-Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others. Masks should not replace other prevention measures.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

-Stay home and isolate from others when sick.

-Use air purifiers to help reduce airborne germs in indoor spaces.

-Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.