COVID-19 transmission and protective measures
This page includes advice from WHO on ways to protect yourself and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Last updated: 5 April 2022
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.
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
.tmb-549v.png?sfvrsn=45e1f0b8_1)
.tmb-549v.png?sfvrsn=81aa3aa6_1)
.tmb-549v.png?sfvrsn=75a38e4f_1)
.tmb-549v.png?sfvrsn=74dca325_1)
.tmb-549v.png?sfvrsn=7c7f281_1)
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.
Stay safe when you travel
If you’re travelling for holidays, it’s essential to keep up preventive measures to protect yourself and those around you from COVID-19. Get vaccinated as soon as it’s your turn and keep up protective measures before, during and after travel even after vaccination.
Follow these tips to take care when travelling.
