Hundreds of scientists say there is evidence that novel coronavirus is airborne, meaning virus particles can hover in the air and infect people.
As a result, they are are calling for the World Health Organisation [WHO] to revise its recommendations, the New York Times reports.
The experts believe fresh cases of the killer bug - in particular in worrying clusters - indicate the virus lingers in the air indoors, infecting those nearby.
It comes as England re-opened pubs for the first time in three months on Saturday with photos and video showing large crowds failing to adhere to social distancing rules.