The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Monday it had posted guidance on possible transmission of the new coronavirus through airborne particles in error and it will be updating its recommendations.
“A draft version of proposed changes to these recommendations was posted in error to the agency’s official website,” the CDC said.
The CDC did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comment on when the guidance will be updated.
The now-withdrawn guidance, posted on the agency’s website on Friday, recommended that people use air purifiers to reduce airborne germs indoors to avoid the disease from spreading.
Get weekly health news
The health agency had said that COVID-19 could spread through airborne particles that can remain suspended in the air and travel beyond six feet.
- Health care a major election issue as B.C. doctor says he’s hit breaking point
- Concerns mount over future of neurology care at Penticton hospital
- Can a photo help predict if you’ll survive cancer? Researchers think so
- Ontario drug funding decision leaves cancer patients disappointed, with few options
Presently, the agency’s guidance says the virus mainly spreads from person-to-person through respiratory droplets, which can land in the mouth or nose of people nearby. (https://bit.ly/2EknVZc)
The World Health Organization (WHO) has said it is monitoring “emerging evidence” of possible airborne transmission.
The WHO has not changed its policy on aerosol transmission of the coronavirus, an official said on Monday.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.