CDC: COVID-19 Is Airborne--Or Is It?
- 4 years ago
Over the weekend, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that the novel coronavirus COVID-19 can be airborne.
Days later, Gizmodo reports the public health agency took it back.
The new language on the CDC's website was released Friday, saying COVID-19 could be transmitted by respiratory droplets and through the air.
But by Monday afternoon, the CDC removed the new language, claiming it was a draft version that was posted in error.
It’s unclear whether the walk-back was due to pressure from higher-up officials in the Trump administration, which has had a track record of interfering with the CDC.
Evidence suggests the virus can and has spread via aerosols in certain conditions, such as in air-conditioned and poorly ventilated spaces.
However, there's uncertainty as to how great a role airborne transmission plays in the overall spread of the virus.
Days later, Gizmodo reports the public health agency took it back.
The new language on the CDC's website was released Friday, saying COVID-19 could be transmitted by respiratory droplets and through the air.
But by Monday afternoon, the CDC removed the new language, claiming it was a draft version that was posted in error.
It’s unclear whether the walk-back was due to pressure from higher-up officials in the Trump administration, which has had a track record of interfering with the CDC.
Evidence suggests the virus can and has spread via aerosols in certain conditions, such as in air-conditioned and poorly ventilated spaces.
However, there's uncertainty as to how great a role airborne transmission plays in the overall spread of the virus.