That's not what 'airborne' means in epidemiology and virology. Quit spreading disinformation.
While true, the virus still makes use of those means to infect another host.
Same issue remains. How long can the virus 'survive' (proper term here is difficult since a virus in not technically 'alive') outside of a host. This newest 'mutation' (adaptation) has learned to survive longer outside the host.
You can say its not 'airborne', but that hasn't prevented people from getting infected who have had no physical contact with someone already infected.
So, what term should be used for 'short term suspension in the atmosphere immediately surrounding an infected patient'?