Because it’s a new illness, we do not know exactly how coronavirus spreads from person to person.
Similar viruses are spread in cough droplets.
It’s very unlikely it can be spread through things like packages or food.
The main method of transmission appears to be person-to-person contact.
For example:
- Someone with COVID-19 sneezes or coughs on you, or you touch someone who has the virus on their skin or clothing.
- You then touch your face, and the virus enters through your mouth, nose, or eyes.
A person with COVID-19 is most contagious while they’re showing symptoms.
Experts aren’t sure how long the virus can survive outside the body but it could be anywhere from hours to days.