As positive COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Iowa, public health officials are sharing reminders of how the virus can be easily spread.

Greene County Public Health Director Becky Wolf says COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that is spread through droplets when someone talks, laughs, coughs, sneezes or sings.

“These droplets can land in the mouths, or the noses of people who are nearby, or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. And the spread is more likely when people are closer in contact with one another, within that six-foot range.”

Wolf notes if you can’t maintain a six-foot distance – or two arm lengths – away from someone else, she suggests wearing a mask. 

“That will help to allow the droplets, any droplets that are coming out of a person’s mouth or nose to drop to the ground rather than come into contact with you.”

Wolf reminds everyone to continue good hygiene practices such as washing hands frequently, using hand sanitizer, wiping down frequently touched surfaces with disinfecting wipes and staying home when sick.