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Is the new coronavirus airborne?

The new coronavirus spreads through droplets, which are produced when someone sneezes, coughs or talks. If you are close to someone when this happens, you could breathe in the virus.

According to the World Health Organization, “studies to date suggest that the virus that causes Covid-19 is mainly transmitted through contact with respiratory droplets rather than through the air”.

There is evidence that virus particles can stay in the air longer when medical procedures are performed on Covid-19 patients. Airborne transmission may be possible in these circumstances.

It is still unclear if the virus spreads much through airborne virus-carrying particles in everyday settings.

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