The virus is transmitted by airborne droplets through inhalation of small droplets sprayed in the air during coughing or sneezing. Drops with the virus can get on surfaces and objects, and then infect the person who touches them through subsequent touches to the eyes, nose, or mouth. According to the Chinese centers for disease control and prevention, the active virus was detected in the feces of COVID-19 patients, which means that fecal-oral transmission is possible, for example, through contaminated hands, food and water, but this transmission mechanism is not the main one in the case of COVID-19. There are also reports that the virus was detected in blood and saliva.
One study reported a case of the disease within a family where two family members had no symptoms or abnormalities on x-rays, but samples of mucus from the upper respiratory tract showed the presence of the virus. Thus, asymptomatic cases of infection are possible.
recommendations for reducing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection:
wash hands with soap and water or alcohol-based remedy;
when coughing or sneezing cover your nose and mouth with a bent elbow or a disposable napkin followed by mandatory hand washing;
avoid close contact (less than 1 meter) with people who have a cough or high body temperature;
if possible, do not touch your nose, mouth, or eyes with your hands;
if you have symptoms of mild acute respiratory disease stay at home;
if you have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, contact a medical facility for help and provide a history of previous travel;
observe hygiene rules when visiting food markets where live animals, meat or poultry are sold;
avoid consuming raw or poorly heat-treated animal products.