The World Health Organisation (WHO) says the news circulating on social media that coronavirus (COVID-19) is airborne in incorrect.
The premier health agency took to its Twitter page to make this clarification.
It said the virus that causes COVID-19 was mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks.
“These droplets are too heavy to hang in the air. They quickly fall on floors or surfaces,” it wrote.
“You can be infected by breathing in the virus if you are within one meter of a person who has COVID-19.
FACT: #COVID19 is NOT airborne.
The #coronavirus is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks.
To protect yourself:
-keep 1m distance from others
-disinfect surfaces frequently
-wash/rub your 👐
-avoid touching your 👀👃👄 pic.twitter.com/fpkcpHAJx7— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) March 28, 2020
“You can be infected by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands.’’
WHO further urged people to protect themselves by engaging in social distancing.
“To protect yourself, keep at least one meter distance from others and disinfect surfaces that are touched frequently”.
