Modes of airborne transmission for SARS-CoV-2. The most common routes are short range and long range aerosol inhalation. Chance of being sprayed with a small number of falling droplets is relatively small. (1/8)

Important to keep in mind: for this virus, most people who transmit it do not have symptoms. So they are not coughing or sneezing. By simply speaking, they are producing thousands of aerosols which can build up over time in poorly ventilated rooms. (2/8)

An increasing # of studies are being published showing examples of outbreaks that can only be explained by aerosol/airborne transmission. Here, a chorist in a church infected people behind him. Droplets drop and certainly don't do U-turns. Clearly #COVIDisAirborne. (3/8)

Good news is @CDCgov is now acknowledging airborne transmission occurs-which currently means only "long range aerosol inhalation". Evidence suggests short range aerosol inhalation (not contact) is likely an even more important pathway--but it is still not acknowledged. (4/8)

The conundrum: How can one explain infections due to inhalation of dilute concentrations of aerosols at long range (accepted as "airborne" by @CDCgov) but no infection from inhalation of more concentrated aerosols at short range? (figure credit @linseymarr ) (5/8)

It is critical to acknowledge #COVIDIsAirborne so proper recommendations can be implemented. Bottom line: droplet precautions do not fully protect against aerosols. Inhalation of aerosols (mostly indoors) at short/long range is likely driving the spread of SARS-CoV-2. (6/8)

Many HCW only wear N95 masks when near AGMPs even though evidence shows that normal respiratory activities generate more aerosols than most common AGMPs. This has led to infections of HCW and personnel in settings which use only surgical masks due to aerosol inhalation. (7/8)

@CDC and @WHO must update "droplet dogma" definitions to match basic science and the extensive scientific evidence. There is no other way to state it -- #COVIDIsAirborne-- this needs to happen ASAP so appropriate controls and protection can be implemented for all. (8/8)