Dr Hilary Jones issued a warning as gyms look set to reopen within days.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson could give the green light for gyms to open their doors next week, with health officials reportedly satisfied that indoor gyms were safe to reopen given they take strict measures to combat coronavirus spreading.
However, Dr Hilary warned that new reports have suggested that covid-19 can exist in the air for some considerable time after the person with the virus has left.
Appearing on Good Morning Britain today, Dr Hilary explained the new WHO findings to hosts Ben Shephard and Ranvir Singh.
He said: "Up to now, we've known that the virus is transmitted - it's a respiratory infection and its transmitted through droplets expelled through the noses and mouths and throats of other people who carry covid-19.
"So it's transmitted through droplets of saliva, which are too small to see but are necessarily in the exhaled air from people who speak to us, who cough and sneeze, hence wearing masks. It's very important.
"Now what the 200 scientists who have written to the World Health Organisation are saying is that we think it's airborne.
"So apart from the droplets, they think that the virus can exist in the air for some considerable time after that person with the infection has gone from the room.
"They're saying it's lurking in the air that we're breathing long after somebody in that room, who carries the virus, has gone."
Dr Hilary suggested that the scientists were saying that it could be in ventilation shafts or anywhere in a "room, bar, restaurant or gym".
"It could be anywhere," he said. "There is no evidence that there is the case but they need to look at it, because it could explain why this virus is so transmissible and why it's gone around the world so quickly."
*Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV
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