Along with social distancing, mask wearing, and sanitization, screening people before they enter a building plays a significant role in decreasing the rate of transmission. It’s also another layer of protection for essential businesses, healthcare clinics, and other places that must remain open despite the outbreak.

Understanding the Spread of COVID-19

Coronavirus is primarily spread through respiratory droplets, which are transmitted from one person to another. These droplets can be transferred via coughing, sneezing, or talking when an infected person is in proximity with others for a length of time. The virus can also be transferred to surfaces. Depending on the type of surface, it may last a few hours or up to a few days. Symptoms typically occur between one- and 14-days post-exposure, but a person can be contagious two days prior to symptom onset. Once infected, a person with moderate symptoms can be contagious for up to ten days. When symptoms are severe, a person may be contagious for up to two weeks. Even if no symptoms are present, the virus can still be spread to others.