Coronavirus is mainly transmitted from person to person via tiny droplets of saliva or other bodily fluids that float in the air after a cough or sneeze.

Contaminated objects and surfaces can also be important in the transmission of disease. It’s not entirely clear what role they play in transmitting the new coronavirus, but they play an important one for related viruses such as SARS and MERS.

However, it makes sense that something contaminated with the virus could pass it on, for example, if a person touches it and then touches their nose, mouth, or face.

Everyone should take the following steps to reduce the spread of infection within their household. Some important points:- 

• wash your hands with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds
• use hand sanitizer gel if soap and water are not available
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterward
• clean objects and surfaces you touch often (such as door handles, kettles, and phones) using your regular cleaning products
• consider wearing a face covering when in shared spaces
• keep windows open in the room you’re staying in and shared spaces as much as possible
• do not share towels, including hand towels and tea towels

Wash your hands

This is an important way to reduce the risk of catching COVID-19 or passing it on to others. Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer, particularly after coughing, sneezing, and blowing your nose and before you eat or handle food. Clean your hands frequently and avoid touching your face.

Cover coughs and sneezes

Cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues when you cough or sneeze. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow, not into your hand.

Dispose of tissues into a rubbish bag and immediately wash your hands. If you have a carer, they should use disposable tissues to wipe away any mucus or phlegm after you have sneezed or coughed and then wash or sanitize their hands.