NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF/AP) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is backtracking on a warning that COVID-19 is airborne. With cooler weather likely going to drive more people indoors, some health officials are concerned about the timing of the reversal.
The CDC abruptly changed its tune, removing language on its website Monday that had only been there a few days and some doctors are shaking their heads, including Dr. James Hildreth, President and CEO of Meharry Medical College.
"[The] CDC's credibility continues to erode when it should be the go-to organization for guidance. The science is clear - SARS CoV2 is airborne and precautions to prevent transmission should reflect this. A national strategy for COVID19 is still needed & CDC should be leading it."
CDC's credibility continues to erode when it should be the go-to organization for guidance. The science is clear - SARS CoV2 is airborne and precautions to prevent transmission should reflect this. A national strategy for COVID19 is still needed & CDC should be leading it. https://t.co/WrGrV2iUxE
— James E.K. Hildreth (@JamesEKHildreth) September 22, 2020
The post from the CDC suggested that the agency believes the virus can hang in the air and spread over an extended distance. But the agency continues to believe larger and heavier droplets that come from coughing or sneezing are the primary means of transmission, said Dr. Jay Butler, the CDC’s deputy director for infectious diseases.
Most CDC guidance about social distancing is built around that idea, saying that about 6 feet is a safe buffer between people who are not wearing masks.
In a statement released Monday, the CDC said the revisions to the “How COVID-19 Spreads” page happened “without appropriate in-house technical review.”
“We are reviewing our process and tightening criteria for review of all guidance and updates before they are posted to the CDC website,” the statement said.
The unusual reversal comes as the country prepares for flu season and cooler weather that will likely mean more people will be in confined to indoor spaces.
Public health experts urge people to wear masks, which can stop or reduce contact with both larger droplets and aerosolized particles.
Read more: CDC changes, then retracts, web posting on how virus spreads
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What is COVID-19 (a.k.a. the new coronavirus?)
According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Examples include the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV)and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. COVID-19 stands for "Coronavirus disease 2019," which is when this strain of the coronavirus was discovered.
What are the symptoms?
The CDC says patients confirmed to have the 2019-nCoV reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Or at least two of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
At this time, the CDC believes symptoms could appear as soon as two days after exposure, or as long as 14 days.
Prevention
The CDC is recommending "common sense" measures such as:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
