Atlanta-based CDC updates guidance on how COVID-19 can spread

Scientists learn more each day about COVID-19 which prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to update its guidance. The CDC is now focusing on the potential for airborne spread.

“I’m just taking it one day at a time and being as safe as I can,” said DeKalb County resident Sarah Williams.

Williams' partner is high risk, so they follow the guidelines religiously: hand washing, mask wearing and social distancing. However the CDC research now shows the potential for airborne spread of COVID-19.

“It feels like one day you look at the news and one day it says one thing and the next day it says something else,” Williams said.

That may be, especially for virus scientists who continue to learn more about it. The CDC states airborne spread is uncommon and most infections are spread by close contact.

“I’m abiding by the scientists and the CDC’s guidelines. No doubt about it," said DeKalb County resident Perry Mitchell.

Though official CDC guidance may change, Mitchell said he always wears a mask in public for his safety and safety of others.

Circumstances where airborne transmission can more likely occur include being in enclosed spaces with prolonged exposure to respiratory particles. Exercising, shouting or singing can create an increase in respiratory droplets. Inadequate ventilation allows those particles to build up and hang around longer.

Mitchell said, “Once you get down to particles in the air, I feel like it’s common sense, you know?”

Along with hand washing, social distancing, mask wearing and disinfecting and sanitizing surfaces, the CDC suggest people avoid crowded indoor spaces and be in areas with good ventilation

Cox Media Group