Sustainability of SARS-CoV-2 in aerosols: should we worry about airborne transmission?

International audienceSARS-CoV-2 is predominantly transmitted by respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces, but the role of aerosol is debated. The usual personal protective equipment (PPE) recommended for healthcare workers (HCWs) includes gown or apron, gloves, protective goggles, head cover and face mask. For the latter, the World Health Organization recommends the wearing of an anti-projection or surgical mask when caring for COVID-19 patients, and a respirator (filtering face-piece particles (FFP) or N95 mask) only in case of aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs)