How does coronavirus spread?
SARS-CoV-2, the virus, spreads mainly from person to person.
Most of the time, it spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. They can spray drops up to 6 feet away. If you inhale or swallow them, the virus can enter your body. Some people who have the virus do not have symptoms, but they can still transmit the virus (carriers).
You can also contract the virus by touching a surface or object on which the virus is present and then touching your mouth, nose, or possibly your eyes.
Most viruses can live for several hours on a surface where they land. A study shows that SARS-CoV-2 can last for several hours on various types of surfaces:
• Copper: 4 hours.
• Cardboard: up to 24 hours.
• Plastic or stainless steel: 2 to 3 days.
Can the coronavirus be transmitted through food, packages or food?
You are much more likely to get COVID-19 from someone else than from packages, groceries, or food. If you’re in a high-risk group, stay home and use a delivery service or have a friend buy from you. Ask them to leave the items outside their front door, if you can. If you do your own shopping, try to stay at least 6 feet away from other buyers. That’s not always possible, so wear a cloth face mask too.
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before and after bringing things home. The coronavirus can remain on hard surfaces, so clean and disinfect countertops and anything else your bags have touched. If desired, you can clean plastic, metal or glass containers with soap and water.
There is no evidence that anyone has obtained COVID-19 from food.
What is a Community Spread?
Doctors and health officials use this term when they do not know the source of the infection. With COVID-19, it generally refers to someone who contracts the virus even though they have not been out of the country or have not been exposed to someone who has travelled abroad or who has COVID-19.
COVID-19 infection has a community spread.
How fast and far is COVID 19 spreading?
It is a pandemic –it is spreading through several countries and communities fast. It takes about 2-14 days to get infevted after you are exposed to the virus.
How contagious is the coronavirus?
Transmission speed is relatively high. The first investigations have estimated that a person who has it can spread it to between 2 and 2.5 more. One study found that the rate was higher, and one case spreads to 4.7 to 6.6 more people.
So it is very important to wash your hands frequently, keeping common surfaces clean, limiting contact with others, and wearing face masks when we cannot be 6 feet away from others.