CNN: Experts tell White House coronavirus can spread through talking or just breathing

[Mike 03]

CNN
Updated 7:45 AM ET, Thu April 2, 2020

(CNN)A prestigious scientific panel told the White House Wednesday night that research shows coronavirus can be spread not just by sneezes or coughs, but also just by talking, or possibly even just breathing.

"While the current [coronavirus] specific research is limited, the results of available studies are consistent with aerosolization of virus from normal breathing," according to the letter, written by Dr. Harvey Fineberg, chairman of a committee with the National Academy of Sciences.

Fineberg told CNN that he will wear start wearing a mask when he goes to the grocery story.

"I'm not going to wear a surgical mask, because clinicians need those," said Fineberg, former dean of the Harvard School of Public Health. "But I have a nice western-style bandana I might wear. Or I have a balaclava. I have some pretty nice options."

Dr. Anthony Fauci, a key member of the White House's coronavirus task force, told CNN Tuesday that the idea of recommending broad use of masks in the US to prevent the spread of coronavirus is under "very active discussion" by the group. Fineberg, chair of the NAS' Standing Committee on Emerging Infectious Diseases and 21st Century Health Threats, said his letter was sent Wednesday evening in response to a query from Kelvin Droegemeier with the Office of Science and Technology Policy at the White House.

"This letter responds to your question concerning the possibility that [coronavirus] could be spread by conversation, in addition to sneeze/cough-induced droplets," the letter states. "Currently available research supports the possibility that [coronavirus] could be spread via bioaerosols generated directly by patients' exhalation," it continues.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus spreads from person to person when people are within about 6 feet of each other "through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes."

Fineberg told CNN this is true, but that research shows that aerosolized droplets produced by talking or possibly even by just breathing can also spread the virus.

His letter explains that research at a hospital in China shows the virus can be suspended in the air when doctors and nurses remove protective gear, or when floors are cleaned, or when staff move around.

More here: https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/02/health/aerosol-coronavirus-spread-white-house-letter/index.html

[dweller]

1. just breathing ?

ouch 😑 you mean like
just
being
alive ?
🙁

dayum

✌🏼

[woodsprite]

2. Don't know why they didn't think that before.

If the virus lives in your nasal passages (that's where they test), and they know it comes out with sneezes and coughs, it only seems logical that any air that comes out your nose or mouth would carry it as well.

[emmaverybo]

5. Earlier testing in patient's rooms outside of procedures like intubation did not show the prevalence

of smaller particles suspended. Did show up near patients’ bathrooms. These later studies do support how so many people might become infected when gathered together as they are not all coughing or sneezing in each other’s faces, not all sharing the same bathroom, touching same surfaces or shaking hands with same carrier. Thinking of that 100 person choir.

Wonder about grocery stores.

[UpInArms]

3. How To Make A No-Sew Coronavirus Face Mask With Fabric

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-to-make-face-mask-from-fabric-covid-19_l_5e834a20c5b62dd9f5d628e8

For those without a sewing machine

[alterfurz]

4. Trump should definitely stop talking then...

...maybe breathing too, just to be safe.