COVID-19 is a respiratory illness transmitted via tiny droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes speaks, sings, or breathes. Getting sick from these droplets requires proximity to an infected person – or touching a surface that might have a droplet – then touching your mouth, nose and possibly eyes.
Protect yourself and others from infection by getting vaccinated, avoiding people with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and following recommendations for isolation if you become sick. If there is a medium or high level of COVID-19 in your community, wear a high-quality mask and increase your distance from others. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website to find your community level.