WHO admits coronavirus travels in microscopic respiratory airborne particles that pose a risk of exposure at distances beyond 1 to 2 meters from an infected individual.

According to CBC News, Jeff Begley, president of the Federation of Health and Social Services (FSSS-CSN), representing 130,000 public healthcare, social service and childcare network employees, confirmed that over 13,000 of the union members have already caught the virus.

The head of Quebec’s largest health, social services, and childcare network union affiliated with the Confederation of National Trade Unions (CSN), wants all workers to be equipped with N95 masks, in case of a second COVID-19 wave this fall.

Begley stated that the federation deposited a complaint with Quebec’s workplace health and safety board (CNESST), asking for help.

However, some union members feel action is required. “Jeff confirmed that over one in ten of union workers were infected,” said a patient attendant who asked his name not be used. “We need to do more than continue whining to the CNESST, we need to take action,” he continued.

WHO Changes Assessment

Recently the World Health Organization, confirmed contrary to its earlier assessment, that coronavirus travels in microscopic respiratory airborne particles from exhalation, talking, and coughing which can remain in the air of indoor areas and pose a risk of exposure at distances beyond 1 to 2 m from an infected individual. (Up to several meters, or room-scale)

Previously the health organization maintained that COVID-19 was mainly transmitted by large respiratory droplets, which fall quickly to the ground after being expelled in coughs and sneezes by infected people.

A regular surgical mask is not able to protect healthcare workers from microscopic airborne particles, this would require an N95 mask.

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