Coronavirus FAQ: How Does The Coronavirus Spread?

The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, is believed to spread predominantly through person-to-person contact. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention lists two main ways the virus can spread: between people who are within about six feet of one another and through fluids produced by an infected person coughing or sneezing.

How Does The Coronavirus Spread?

Although it is not the main way the virus is spread, it is also possible for a person to become sick after coming in contact with a contaminated object, such as a doorknob touched by someone who coughed into their hand. It is unclear how easily the virus can spread, but given the surge in cases of community spread (meaning the infection cannot be traced back to a person or place) it is believed the virus is highly contagious. That being said, washing hands with soap for 20 seconds and using disinfectant products has proven effective at killing the virus.