The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its explanations onthe transmission of coronavirus, emphasizing that inhalation is one of the key ways in which the virus is spread and has now placed less emphasis on the risk of contracting it from surfaces.

The changes to the CDC website conform to a shift in the agencys advice to emphasize that the virus spreads through air.

CDC said on its updated website, "COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. These droplets and particles can be breathed in by other people or land on their eyes, noses, or mouth. In some circumstances, they may contaminate surfaces they touch. People who are closer than 6 feet from the infected person are most likely to get infected." (CNN, May 7, 2021)