COVID-Refresher Series: Contagiousness

ALPENA, Mich.– In part two of our refresher series on the coronavirus, we’re covering how it spreads.

Doctor Josh Meyerson is the medical director for District Health Department number four.

Meyerson said the coronavirus spreads by attaching itself to droplets exhaled through the mouth and nose.

He also said there’s a risk of transmission via indirect touch in some cases. Meyerson said this “fomite transmission,” as it’s called, is why you need to wash your hands frequently. He added that fomite transmission has to happen in a relatively short time frame, so you don’t need to worry about your groceries.

Finally, Meyerson said the scientific community is still discussing whether the coronavirus is airborne. That is, whether the virus can stay alive in the air for an extended period of time.

As for how the virus can spread so quickly and why it does so much damage, he said that it mostly comes down to the newness of the virus.

So remember, mask up, wash your hands often, and avoid touching your face.

Next week, we’ll be asking Meyerson how COVID–19 compares to the flu.

The Health Department has created a hotline and email address residents can use to ask questions about the virus.

You can call (989) 358–7936 during business hours Monday through Friday, or send an e–mail to covid19@dhd4.org.