how does covid spread

COVID-19 spreads mainly through respiratory droplets and aerosols containing the virus that are released when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, sneezes, or sings. These droplets can be inhaled by others or land on mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth) leading to infection. Transmission is most likely at close range (within 3 to 6 feet) but can also occur over longer distances indoors, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces where virus-laden aerosols can linger in the air for minutes to hours. Contact with surfaces contaminated by these droplets is considered a less common route of transmission but still possible if one touches their face after touching such surfaces. People can spread the virus even if they do not have symptoms yet or never develop symptoms.