Airborne transmission of coronavirus in restaurants, gyms and other closed spaces can't be ruled out, WHO says - CNBC

The World Health Organization published new guidance Thursday, saying it can't rule out the possibility that the coronavirus can be transmitted through air particles in closed spaces indoors, including in gyms and restaurants.

The WHO previously acknowledged that the virus may become airborne in certain environments, such as during "medical procedures that generate aerosols." The new guidance recognizes some research that suggests the virus may be able to spread through particles in the air in "indoor crowded spaces." It cited "choir practice, in restaurants or in fitness classes" as possible areas of airborne transmission.

The WHO said in its guidance that while early evidence suggests the possibility of airborne transmission in such environments, spread by droplets and surfaces could also explain transmission in those cases.

"However, the detailed investigations of these clusters suggest that droplet and fomite transmission could also explain human-to-human transmission within these clusters," the guidance said.

The WHO said it is further researching the role of different modes of spread, including by air, as well as how much virus is required to potentially infect someone and what kinds of environments create greater risk for spread. .

If airborne transmission proves to be a major factor in the spread of the virus, it could have wide-ranging policy consequences.

Some scientists have criticized the WHO for being slow to issue guidance on the latest research into the coronavirus, which emerged in Wuhan, China, a little over six months ago.