The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.<\/p>\n
Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
\nThrough respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
\nThese droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.<\/p>\n
People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
\nSome spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.<\/p>\n
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.<\/p>\n
How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.<\/p>\n
The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (\u201ccommunity spread\u201d) in some affected geographic areas.<\/p>\n
Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.<\/p>\n
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.<\/p>\n
The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.*<\/p>\n
Fever
\nCough
\nShortness of breath<\/p>\n
Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.<\/p>\n