Coronavirus: Experts argue virus spreads through talking or even just breathing

Experts in the US have recently revealed the simple way that coronavirus may be spreading so rapidly – and we all do it all the time.

In a White House briefing on Wednesday night, experts suggested that talking or possibly even just breathing could be contributing to the rampant spread of COVID-19.

From the very first outbreak, it was thought that the coronavirus spreads mostly through droplets from coughs or sneezes – though experts stress that the germ is still not fully understood.

“While the current (coronavirus) specific research is limited, the results of available studies are consistent with aerosolisation of virus from normal breathing,” according to a letter, written by Dr Harvey Fineberg, chairman of a committee with the National Academy of Sciences.

Dr Fineberg told CNN it’s also dependent on how long coronavirus lingers in the air.

“If you generate an aerosol of the virus with no circulation in a room, it’s conceivable that if you walk through later, you could inhale the virus,” he said.

“But if you’re outside, the breeze will likely disperse it.”

Dr Fineberg told CNN that he will wear start wearing a mask when he goes to the grocery store.

Scientists can’t rule out that infected people sometimes exhale COVID-19 virus particles, but stressed there isn’t enough evidence to show if that can cause infection.

The recent advice has redefined the infection risk, suggesting anyone may be considered a carrier, whether they are displaying symptoms or not.

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‘This is going to be a very, very painful two weeks,’ US President Donald Trump said in a recent conference. Picture: Alex Brandon/AP

The advice comes as the Trump administration moves towards promoting broader use of face masks to all Americans.

The recommendations would apply at least to those who live in areas hard-hit by community transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19. A person familiar with the White House coronavirus task force’s discussion told AAP that officials would suggest non-medical masks, T-shirts or bandannas be used to cover the nose and mouth when outside the home – for instance, at the grocery store or pharmacy. Medical-grade masks, particularly short-in-supply N95 masks, would be reserved for those dealing directly with the sick.

On Tuesday, Mr Trump indicated he would support such a recommendation, potentially even for all Americans regardless of where they live.

“I would say do it, but use a scarf if you want, you know, rather than going out and getting a mask or whatever,” he said. “It’s not a bad idea, at least for a period of time.”

Some exceptions would be young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing or anyone who is unable to remove the covering without help.

#COVID19 home care for people with suspected or confirmed #coronavirus:
If you are ill with fever 🌡️ and cough you should clean your hands 🙌 frequently with soap & water or with alcohol-based hand rub pic.twitter.com/jYOJFQAXfY

— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) April 2, 2020

Despite the fresh claims, the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Monday reiterated its advice that the general population doesn’t need to wear masks unless they’re sick.

Since the epidemic began in China, WHO has said masks are for the sick and people caring for them.

“There is no specific evidence to suggest that the wearing of masks by the mass population has any particular benefit,” WHO’s epidemic chief Dr Mike Ryan said during a news conference.

“In fact, there’s some evidence to suggest the opposite,” he said, noting that health care workers who do need masks are facing “a massive global shortage”.

“The thought of them not having masks is horrific, so we have to be very careful on supply.”