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Dear Editor;
There is increasing evidence that under certain circumstances COVID-19 can also (in addition to its being spread primarily through respiratory droplets) be spread through airborne transmission.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), airborne transmission occurs in microscopic respiratory secretions (often called particles) and because of their small size those particles can linger in the air for minutes to hours.
The evidence to date shows this spread occurs in select environments where one or more of the following conditions are met:
1. enclosed space
2. inadequate ventilation and
3. the infected person was breathing heavily such as singing or exercising.
While airborne transmission is considered much less common than the spread through respiratory droplets, it is a reminder for us to STAY VIGILANT WHEN OUTSIDE OF OUR HOMES.
The CDC and other public health organizations have strongly recommended updates to air filtration systems and mask use. (Besides the most basic: washing your hands as well as social distancing.)
Stay safe and well!
Eileen Z. Fitzsimons
Dodgeville