One of the most important things to know about COVID-19 is how it spreads, which is one of the keys to containing it. Here's what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found so far.
Cover your Coughs
The Coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is called SARS-CoV-2. It appears to spread mainly from person to person. It may pass from an infected person through the droplets they breathe out when they cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land on people who are physically close to an infected person (whether or not that infected person is presenting symptoms), or possibly be inhaled into their lungs. This is why health professionals are urging people to keep a distance of at least six feet from one another, wear a facemask, and to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow.
While coughs, sneezes, and close speaking are believed to be the main way the virus can spread, there are other known methods of infection as well. One is through contact with surfaces that have been contaminated by live virus. A person may be able to get COVID-19 by touching an object that has the virus on it, and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes. Frequent cleaning and disinfecting of high-traffic shared surfaces is an important step in limiting exposure.
What About Silent Spreaders?
CDC experts now believe that a significant number of people who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 may not show any symptoms. This means that you can't rely on warning signs like a fever, cough, or shortness of breath to alert you that you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 and are currently contagious.
While the CDC believes people are probably most contagious when at their sickest, it may be possible to spread the virus to others even if you are not presenting symptoms. This is why staying home as much as possible — and maintaining social distancing when you must go out — can help protect everyone.
It's also important to:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Wear a cloth face mask if you leave your home.
- Wash your hands often. Use soap and water and wash for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your face between handwashings.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces you share with others often.
How to Make a Bleach Cleaner
To clean common surfaces from potential COVID-19 germs, you can make your own cleaner using bleach if other common cleaners, such as disinfecting wipes, are unavailable. To make a bleach solution, first make sure your bleach hasn't expired. Then follow either of these recipes:
- Mix 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) of bleach with 1 gallon of water.
- Mix 4 teaspoons of bleach with 1 quart of water.
Be sure you never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleaner – this could create toxic fumes.
