CDC updates COVID-19 airborne spread guidance again

Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance on COVID-19 airborne spread again.

The site noted COVID-19 spreads "very easily from person to person" and "more efficiently than influenza."

While the virus more commonly spreads during close contact, the CDC said it can be spread by airborne transmission, as it’s possible small droplets and particles "can linger in the air for minutes to hours."

"There is evidence that under certain conditions, people with COVID-19 seem to have infected others who were more than 6 feet away," the CDC said. "These transmissions occurred within enclosed spaces that had inadequate ventilation. Sometimes the infected person was breathing heavily, for example while singing or exercising."

The update comes after the CDC made a similar update to its guidance less than three weeks ago but then reversed course on Sept. 21, stating the updates were posted in error.

CDC states updated guidance on COVID-19 airborne spread ‘posted in error’

CDC’s recommendations remain the same: People can protect themselves from #COVID19 by staying at least 6 feet away from others, wearing a mask that covers their nose & mouth, washing hands frequently, cleaning touched surfaces often, and staying home when sick.

— CDC (@CDCgov) October 6, 2020