OPTION 2

Routes of Transmission:

• The principal mode of transmission is through the respiratory route, primarily by large droplets or aerosols.
• Infected surfaces and fomites have been the routes of infection in some instances.
• Typically, close and prolonged contact for over 15 min significantly increases the likelihood of contracting the infection.
• SARS-CoV-2 Virus survive longer on steel and plastic surfaces approximately 48 and 72 hrs respectively than on copper, cardboard, or in aerosols.

Human to human transmission occurs by:

• Droplet inhalation within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) of someone who has respiratory symptoms (e.g., sneezing, coughing, etc.)
• Touching contaminated articles or handshake (as this virus survive on surfaces for upto 9 hours.)
• Handling infectious secretions like sputum, serum, blood can also spread the disease.
• Basic reproduction number (RO) of 2.2 i.e., each infected person spreads the infection to an additional two persons.
• Even asymptomatic persons can transmit the disease. (which is denied by WHO recently).
• The virus has also been detected in blood, faeces and saliva.