How COVID-19 is spread
COVID-19 spreads very easily through close contact with people who have the virus.
When someone with COVID-19 breathes, speaks, coughs or sneezes, they release small droplets containing the virus. You can catch it by breathing in these droplets or touching surfaces covered in them.
You are more likely to catch it indoors and in crowded places.
You can still catch or spread COVID-19 if you:
- do not have symptoms
- are fully vaccinated
- have had the virus before
Many people will no longer be infectious to others after 5 days, but you can be infectious for up to 10 days.
Avoiding catching and spreading COVID-19
Do
-
wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser regularly throughout the day, especially after you cough, sneeze or blow your nose, and before you eat or handle food
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cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and encourage children to do this
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regularly clean surfaces you touch often (such as door handles and remote controls) and in shared spaces, such as kitchens or bathrooms
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think about wearing a face covering that fits snugly against your face and has more than 1 layer if you're in close contact with other people, or in crowded places
Don’t
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do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean