A report earlier this week from The New York Times explained the WHO is reluctant to change its point of view on coronavirus transmission, as officials still say droplets are the primary way COVID-19 spreads, and advocate for frequent handwashing as a way to reduce the risk.

The WHO responded to increased pressure from scientists and the media that covered their coronavirus airborne transmission claims without actually doing anything to alter its guidelines for fighting the pandemic.

The New York Times report did say that airborne transmission would have several implications for the way health officials are fighting the pandemic, as authorities could mandate changes that could mitigate the risk.

“We acknowledge that there is emerging evidence in this field, as in all other fields regarding the Covid-19 virus and pandemic and therefore we believe that we have to be open to this evidence and understand its implications regarding the modes of transmission and also regarding the precautions that need to be taken,” said WHO Technical Lead for Infection Prevention and Control Dr.

“We have been talking about the possibility of airborne transmission and aerosol transmission as one of the modes of transmission of Covid-19, as well as droplet,” she said.