CDC Issues Update On How COVID-19 Spreads

Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued updated guidance to its How COVID-19 Spreads landing page. It includes information about the potential for airborne spread of the virus. Read the full statement here.

CDC Updates

• CDC continues to believe that people are more likely to become infected the longer and closer they are to a person with COVID-19. The update acknowledges the existence of some published reports showing limited, uncommon circumstances where people with COVID-19 infected others who were more than 6 feet away or shortly after the positive person left an area. In these instances, transmission occurred in poorly ventilated/enclosed spaces that often involved activities that caused heavier breathing like singing or exercise.
• After a technical review of the guidance, CDC's recommendations remain the same based on existing science. People can protect themselves from the virus by staying at least 6 feet away from others, wearing a mask that covers their nose and mouth, washing their hands frequently, cleaning touched surfaces often, and staying home when sick.

Restaurant Impact

• While there has been some discussion around CDC's release yesterday, the National Restaurant Association has been resolute in their approach, specifically that COVID-19 spreads primarily from person to person. The last paragraph in the release is clear on this issue. Information received from the CDC affirms that solid guidance is being delivered by the Association.