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How COVID-19 spreads

Contagion

Understanding how the virus spreads helps you protect yourself and others.

  1. Animal contact

    Some animals can carry coronaviruses. Wash your hands after handling animals and avoid contact with sick ones.

  2. Close contact

    The virus spreads mainly between people in close contact, through droplets from coughs, sneezes and talking.

  3. Airborne spread

    Tiny particles can stay in the air in crowded, poorly ventilated rooms. Open windows and meet outdoors where possible.

  4. Contaminated surfaces

    Touching a contaminated surface and then your eyes, nose or mouth can pass on the virus. Clean surfaces and wash hands often.