Yahoo TV

The World Health Organization released new guidelines on the transmission of the coronavirus on Thursday (July 9) that acknowledge some reports of airborne transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19, but stopped short of confirming that the virus spreads through the air.

In its latest guidance, the WHO acknowledged that some outbreak reports related to indoor crowded spaces have suggested the possibility of aerosol transmission such as during choir practice, in restaurants or in fitness classes.

But the WHO said more research is "urgently needed''.

The report follows an open letter from scientists urging the body to update its guidance on how the disease spreads to include aerosol transmission.

Based on its review of the evidence, the WHO said the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 spreads through contact with contaminated surfaces or close contact with infected people who spread the virus through saliva, respiratory secretions or droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks or sings.

The new guidelines do, however, suggest people should avoid crowds and ensure good ventilation in buildings, in addition to social distancing, and encourage masks when physical distancing isn't possible.