CDC reverses course on airborne transmission guidelines, claims they were posted in error

More confusion on coronavirus guidance is happening after the removal of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention information that warned the virus can be transmitted through the air.

News 12 Staff

Sep 21, 2020, 9:25 PM

Updated 1,456 days ago

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More confusion on coronavirus guidance is happening after the removal of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention information that warned the virus can be transmitted through the air.
On Friday, the CDC website stated that there is growing evidence that droplets and airborne particles can remain suspended in the air and be breathed in by others and travel distances of beyond 6 feet. On Monday morning, that information was taken down, with the site now saying, "A draft version of proposed changes to these recommendations was posted in error to the agency's official website. CDC is currently updating its recommendations regarding airborne transmission."
Northwell Health infectious disease specialist Dr. David Hirschwerk says aerosols traveling through the air may not be the main way the virus is transmitted, but it is still an important one.
"I think there's been a lot of concern about the decision-making that's coming out of CDC," he says. "It would be damaging to diminish that because the recommendation to avoid, as much as possible, indoor environments with large groups is based upon the concern regarding aerosols."
Hirschwerk says his colleagues would not revert to making any changes, regardless of what CDC changes may have occurred.