Health DG: Social distancing will prevent spread of Covid-19 even if virus is 'airborne'

PUTRAJAYA: Social distancing measures will prevent the spread of Covid-19 even if the virus is "airborne", says Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

The Health director-general said social distancing measures and the no-touching policies that have been practised will be able to prevent the spread.

"If we practice such methods, we are able to avoid infection rates," he said during his daily briefing on Wednesday (July 8).

He was responding to a Reuters report, in which the World Health Organisation (WHO) had acknowledged that the virus could be spread via the air after a group of scientists had urged them to update its guidelines on how the virus passed between people.

He added that wearing a face mask, washing hands, and avoiding crowded areas will prevent the spread of the virus.

"Every day, we are learning something new about the virus, but right now, with our actions and standard operating procedures, we have been able to break the chain of infection in the country," he said.

He said the social distancing measures of one metre have prevented the spread of the virus, including those who have also stayed at home.

Dr Noor Hisham added that the way people sneeze and cough too have to be "the right way", as if it is not done properly, it will allow the droplets to travel and infect others.