BEIJING, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- The novel coronavirus normally does not suspend or float in the air for long, and currently no evidence has shown that the new virus can be transmitted through aerosol, a Chinese expert said Sunday.

Feng Luzhao, a researcher of infectious diseases with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, made the remarks at a press conference.

Currently, the virus is mainly transmitted via respiratory droplets and contact, said Feng, adding that the virus is normally transmitted within a range of one to two meters.

He suggested that people use napkins, hands or arms to cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing to prevent splashing droplets.