Covid-19 is among the topmost repeated words of 2020 followed by words like 'pandemic' and 'quarantine'. The world was unknown to this malady before it took the world by storm this year. It struck with full force and has put humanity on the back foot. Since the start of the pandemic, several studies are going on about the coronavirus spread, the pathogenesis of the disease caused by it, treatment of COVID, and prevention from the virus.

WHO and researchers from all over the globe are in a struggle to dissect this microorganism and are trying their best to find a remedy for the disease. They are giving updates regarding the virus on a regular basis. This has proved to be invaluable in the prevention and control of the disease so far.

Covid-19 belongs to the beta group of coronaviruses named as novel coronavirus by Chinese researchers. It is coated with spikes to attach to the receptors in a dynamic fashion. It's a single-stranded RNA virus with a size ranging between 45-65 nm in diameter. The novel coronavirus is a large-sized virus and that's why it settles down on the surfaces for days to weeks depending upon the surface.

Initially, WHO stated that the transmission of this virus is mainly by the droplet spread from symptomatic patients and asymptomatic patients can transmit virus but it's unlikely. Previously the agency believed that droplets released during sneezing, coughing, or talking of symptomatic patients could infect people in close proximity. It was also believed that touching the surfaces can also spread the viral disease. UN health agency even stated formerly that coronavirus cannot spread via air.

Recently, WHO has updated its guidelines regarding the mode of spread of novel coronavirus. The organization declared this week that new data suggests that viral spread happened more in a closed crowded place with poor ventilation. This happened due to transmission by aerosol formation. WHO has now admitted that viral spread via aerosols or tiny air droplets in a closed environment like hotels, bars, mosques, churches, offices, etc. could be a major factor behind this massive outbreak.

Apart from avoiding close contact with infected people and frequent hand-washing, the WHO has emphasized that people should avoid crowded places, close-contact settings, and confined spaces with poor ventilation. It is evident that we are still learning about this new disease, preventive and management guidelines of COVID-19 are evolving every day so it's important that we respect the scientific data and change our habits accordingly to stop the spread of the virus.