CDC updates guidance on how COVID-19 spreads

Editor's Note

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), on October 5, issued updated guidance to its "How COVID-19 Spreads" website, which includes information on the potential for airborne spread of the virus.

The CDC says that, based on current science, it continues to believe people are more likely to become infected the longer and closer they are to someone with COVID-19.

The update acknowledges the existence of published reports showing limited, uncommon circumstances in which people with COVID-19 infected others who were more than 6 feet away or shortly after the infected person left an area.

In these instances, transmission occurred in poorly ventilated, enclosed places where activities that caused heavier breathing, like singing or exercise, took place. These environments and activities may contribute to the buildup of virus-carrying particles.

The CDC’s recommendations remain the same—stay 6 feet from others, wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth, wash hands frequently, clean touched surfaces often, and stay home when sick.