COVID-19 spread pattern
The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily in some affected geographic areas.
COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person (within about 6 feet) through small drops of liquid made when an infected person coughs or sneezes (known as respiratory droplets).
Find more information on how COVID-19 spreads at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website.
When is someone contagious?
COVID-19 can be contagious when someone has symptoms. It may also be contagious in people who are infected and not have symptoms. Researchers continue to study this new disease and how it spreads.
According to the CDC, "COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person-to-person in respiratory droplets from someone who is infected. People who are infected often have symptoms of illness. Some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus."
The CDC also states that "COVID-19 is a new disease and we are still learning how it spreads, the severity of illness it causes, and to what extent it may spread in the United States."
You can find more information on how COVID-19 spreads at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Wash your hands and avoid touching your face
Washing hands and avoiding touching your face can help prevent the risk of infection from germs such as COVID-19.
These recommendations were made to help people reduce risk of getting a COVID-19 infection and to help reduce transmission between people.
It is believed that the virus is spread from one person to another through close contact with a person who is infected. It is also possible to become infected by touching a surface that has the virus on it and then touching the mouth, nose or possibly their eyes.
You can find more information on how COVID-19 spreads at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website.
What cleaners work against COVID-19?
The CDC recommends that frequently touched surfaces be cleaned and disinfected daily. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.
Diluting household bleach
- 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water; or
- 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
- Ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol
Other common EPA-registered household disinfectants
- Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens external icon claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19
Visit the CDC website for more information on cleaning and disinfecting, and other tips for prevention
What does "flattening the curve" mean?
Flattening the curve refers to the goal of slowing the spread of an infectious disease in an effort to make the disease more manageable for the public health system.
Certain diseases like COVID-19, which can be contagious and is spread from person-to-person, has the potential to spread faster than what area hospitals can manage. Preventive steps, such as social distancing, are used to help slow the spread of an infectious disease to prevent a rush of sick people that can overwhelm hospitals.
The following graph from the Centers for disease control (CDC) illustrates the idea of flattening the curve. The taller curve shows a possible outbreak with no intervention. The shorter (or flatter) curve shows a possible outbreak with interventions. Flattening the curve can help reduce the number or sick people at any given time, giving hospitals and other parts of the health system a chance to respond without becoming overwhelmed.
Why is social distancing important?
People of all age groups need to have continued education on what this virus can do to them and the people they love. All age groups should be made aware of the crisis with hard data and first-hand reports of human suffering. They need to not be shielded from reality, and must be told that they can either be part of the solution otherwise they will add to the problem.
COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus. Because COVID-19 is different, it needs its own vaccine. Researchers are working to develop a vaccine against COVID-19. The process of research and development can take some time. When a vaccine is developed, it also needs to be tested to make sure it’s safe and effective.
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