A prestigious scientific panel presented research findings to the White House Wednesday night that showed the coronavirus could be spread not just by sneezes or coughs, but also by just talking, or possibly even just breathing.
According to CNN, a letter written by Dr. Harvey Fineberg, chairman of a committee with the National Academy of Sciences, stated: “While the current [coronavirus] specific research is limited, the results of available studies are consistent with aerosolization of virus from normal breathing.”
Fineberg told CNN that he has decided to start wearing masks to go to the grocery store.
“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. Fauci, a very crucial member of the White House Coronavirus task force, told CNN on Tuesday that the suggestion to recommended the use of masks to prevent the spread of coronavirus is under “very active discussion” by the force.
The CDC maintains that the virus is spread 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,” according to CNN.
But Fineberg told the publication that while this information is true, research showed that aerosolized droplets produced by talking or possibly even by just breathing can also spread the virus.
Fineberg’s letter explained that research at a hospital in China showed that the virus could be suspended in the air when doctors and nurses removed protective gear, or when floors were cleaned, or when staff moved around.
