What we know:
- The coronavirus is mainly spread from person to person.
- The Coronavirus is more infectious than the flu and spreads easily and sustainably between people.
- The coronavirus is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person sneezes, coughs or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into their lungs.
- Coronavirus particles can be transmitted by viral particles floating in the air
- Viral particles can be shed into the air by breathing and talking, with more particles being expelled by heavier breathing (exercising) and louder talking (or singing)
- Aerosolized viral particles can remain in the air for a period of time – although estimates of the amount of time the virus can float in the air vary, up to 3 hours seems to be a good rule of thumb
- Airborne particles can be moved by air conditioning (or wind)
- Risk of infection is a function of exposure and time
- The more viral particles you are exposed to, the greater your risk
- The more time you spend with an infected person, the greater your risk
- This explains why more than 80% of infections occur among family members at home
- Higher risk of infection in small rooms and rooms with little ventilation
- Up to 35% of infected people are currently estimated by the CDC to be asymptomatic, which means that neither they nor you have any way to know they are infected
- Consequently, you should assume that everyone is infected (depending on your risk threshold, exceptions may be made for those you know have already been infected as it appears, but is not certain, that those that have been infected may have limited immunity)
- Although additional research is needed, some studies indicate children may not be a major source of transmission
- It may be possible that a person can get C19 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.
- Low risk of becoming infected while outside
- Low risk of being infected by an animal. Some risk of animals becoming infected from a person (although there have been only a few reported cases).
- No research establishing that the virus is transmitted through food
- No research establishing that the virus is transmitted through water (pools, lakes, oceans, etc)
- No research establishing that the virus is transmitted through feces (although research has found viral particles in feces)
- No research establishing that the virus is transmitted through sex (although research has found viral particles in sperm)
- Recent research indicates that C19 patients are only infectious for 11 days after becoming sick (see story below)