COVID-19, Airborne Transmission Possible... Authorities Say "Further Research Needed"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] The government has expressed the position that additional research is needed regarding the possibility of airborne transmission of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), which has been raised by the global academic community.

On the 6th, as the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) shows no signs of slowing down, hand sanitizers are placed along the Jungnangcheon Stream walking trail in Seoul. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

On the 6th, Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH), stated at a briefing held at the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, "Additional research is needed on the recently announced risks of airborne transmission, infectivity due to virus mutations, and changes in transmissibility."

According to U.S. media, 239 scientists from 32 countries recently sent an open letter to the World Health Organization (WHO), criticizing it for not providing adequate warnings about the risk of infection through aerosols.

Aerosols are solid or liquid particles with a diameter of only 1 μm (one-millionth of a meter), much smaller than the droplets released when coughing or sneezing. Until now, WHO has maintained the position that COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through large respiratory droplets.

Head Jung said, "The main transmission routes of COVID-19 are droplet transmission, contact transmission, and indirect transmission through fomites," adding, "Since the possibility of airborne transmission is being raised in addition to these, existing quarantine and prevention guidelines remain valid."

He also explained, "The size of droplets varies greatly; slightly larger droplets settle quickly and can contaminate surfaces, but smaller droplets lose moisture, become lighter, and can remain suspended in the air for a long time," adding, "More research is needed to determine the extent of infectiousness."

Furthermore, regarding COVID-19 measures, he emphasized that avoiding the so-called '3M'?closed spaces, crowded places, and close-contact settings?is effective in preventing infectious diseases and urged strict compliance with quarantine rules.