This page includes advice from WHO on ways to protect yourself and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Transmission
COVID-19 spreads primarily from person to person in several different ways:
- It can spread through small liquid particles. These particles range from larger respiratory droplets to smaller aerosols released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks, sings or breathes.
- It spreads mainly between people who are in close contact with each other, typically within 1 metre.
- It can also spread in poorly ventilated and/or crowded indoor settings where aerosols remain suspended in the air or travel farther than 1 metre.
- It can also spread if a person touches surfaces that have been contaminated by the virus.
Aerosol transmission
COVID-19 transmission
COVID-19 transmission person to person
Protective measures: Do it all
Protect yourself and others from COVID-19 by following these precautions:
- Get vaccinated as soon as it’s your turn
- Keep a distance of at least 1 metre from others
- Open windows when possible
- Wear a mask
- Clean hands
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Stay home when sick
https://youtu.be/JJH-MZV9UfY
Avoid the 3Cs
Be aware of the different levels of risk in different settings. COVID-19 spreads more easily in crowded places, close-contact settings, and confined and enclosed spaces with poor ventilation. The risk is higher in places where these factors overlap.
https://youtu.be/_f0wGA39ZeQ
COVID-19: variants
Viruses, like SARS-CoV-2, change over time and will continue to change the more they circulate. Sometimes, variants of the virus may develop. A variant is where the virus contains at least one new change to the original virus.
Some variants of the coronavirus, such as Delta and Omicron, are spreading more easily between people. We know we can protect from the virus and its new variants by:
- Getting vaccinated when it’s your turn
- Keeping a safe distance
- Opening windows when possible
- Wearing a mask
- Covering coughs and sneezes
- Keeping hands clean
Source: WHO Website