COVID-19 can spread by:

  • direct contact such as by touching each other
  • indirect contact such as by touching contaminated objects or surfaces. When people with the virus sneeze, cough or touch surfaces, they may leave infected droplets on these surfaces
  • close contact through mouth or nose secretions of infected people. These secretions are released from the mouth or nose of an infected person when they cough, sneeze, speak or sing.

 

To avoid contact with these droplets, it is important to:

  • maintain physical distance by staying at least 1.5 metres away from others
  • clean your hands regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser
  • cover your mouth with a tissue or bent elbow when sneezing or coughing
  • clean surfaces regularly.1

References

  1. (2021, July). About coronaviruses. Retrieved from healthdirectth: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/about-coronaviruses

Updated 21 July 2021