It is not “a distinction without a difference”. As you know, if the virus were airborne, a large proportion of Africans would be dead now — millions or tens of millions — not a few thousand.
From the perspective of protective gear it’s a distinction without a difference.
You’ll note from the pics that the MSF people are NOT simply using mask, gown and gloves. They have 2 or 3 layers of protection over their entire bodies. Including goggles AND facemask.
They have lost the fewest numbers of their medicos to date.
Obviously ‘mask, gown and gloves’ is grossly insufficient in this outbreak.
Don't you mean "if the virus were to mutate so that it could survive longer in an airborne environment ?"