Covid-19 Spreads Majorly Through The Airborne Route, States Centre’s Revised Covid-19 Protocol

The Union Health Ministry has stated in its new clinical management protocol that a majority of transmission of Covid-19 is supposed to be happening “through the airborne route and droplet released when the infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.”

Moreover, one of the guidelines issued recently by the office of the principal scientific advisor has disclosed that infected aerosols can be carried in the air up till 10 meters.

“Current evidence suggests that the virus spreads mainly between people who are in close contact with each other, typically within 1 metre (short-range). A person can be infected when aerosols or droplets containing the virus are inhaled or come directly into contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth,” the revised protocol mentioned as per Hindustan Times.

It added, “The virus can also spread in poorly ventilated and/or crowded indoor settings, where people tend to spend longer periods of time in physical proximity. This is because aerosols remain suspended in the air or may travel farther than 1 metre (long-range).”

However, the findings of this time mark a significant shift from the previous year’s clinical management protocol that had stated that the infection spreads primarily through close contact. It had remarked that the transmission happens mainly via respiratory droplets that are released when an infected individual talks, sneezes and coughs.

Other changes in the protocol:

For patients with mild cases, tablet Ivermectin (200 mcg/kg once a day, to be taken empty stomach) has been recommended for 3 to 5 days (avoid in pregnant and lactating women).

The revised protocol has dropped convalescent plasma therapy from its list of investigational therapies, which was there in the earlier protocol.

The new protocol mentions that systemic oral steroids not indicated in mild disease. If symptoms persist beyond 7 days (persistent fever, worsening cough etc.) consult the treating doctor for treatment with low dose oral steroids.