07/25/2020
According to the CDC, person-to-person transmission occurs during close (within 6 feet) contact with a person with COVID-19, primarily from respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets, particularly when aerosolized, can be deposited in the mouth, nose, or eyes of nearby people or be inhaled into the lungs. Airborne transmission from person-to-person over long distances (including as a result of evaporating droplets that leave behind infectious particles known as droplet nuclei) is believed to be unlikely.
People can also become infected with SARS-CoV-2 by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus, and then touching their mouths, noses, or eyes. Current evidence suggests that novel coronavirus may remain viable for hours to days on a variety of surfaces. Frequent cleaning of visibly dirty and high-touch surfaces, followed by disinfection, can help prevent SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory pathogens (germs) from spreading in workplaces.
Person-to-person spread is likely to continue to occur under current pandemic conditions.
There is still more to learn about the transmissibility, severity, and other features associated with SARS-CoV-2.