Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. It can also be transmitted by touching objects that have the virus deposited on them like paper, plastic, and cloth. The virus can survive on different surfaces for a few hours to several days. Not everyone gets sick. However, some people do get sick, and for some, it can be a life-threatening condition.
Even if someone is not actively sick with COVID-19 they can transmit it to others who can get very sick. This is the reason we hear so much about the importance of social distancing. This means being at least 6 feet away from other people. Every one of us has a role to play in keeping ourselves, our neighbors, friends, and family safe from COVID-19.
The CDC has informed all of us that the best way to avoid being exposed to COVID-19 is to prevent being exposed to it in the first place.
- The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- It spreads through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs which could lead to COVID-19 illness.