COVID-19 is a new disease, so researchers are still learning how it spreads. So far, it’s believed that the virus mainly spreads from person-to-person—and less commonly, via contaminated objects and surfaces.
An incubation period is the time between when a person is exposed to a virus and when the first symptoms appear. The CDC currently believes that COVID-19 symptoms may appear between 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.
Contact your doctor immediately if you develop the symptoms of COVID-19 and believe you’ve been exposed to the virus. A doctor will determine your risk level and then coordinate a plan for testing and possible treatment.