How Social Gatherings Spread COVID-19 – and How to Reduce Your Risk

FOR HISTORICAL PURPOSES ONLY
Information on this page is displayed for historical purposes only and is no longer being updated. As such, it may be out of date with recent developments or scientific research. CDC.gov and your state’s health department may offer additional guidance.

How Social Gatherings Spread COVID-19 – and How to Reduce Your Risk

COVID-19 is highly contagious. It is spread through indoor air and on infected surfaces.

Here are two common places where you could be infected, and how to reduce your risk.

Family/Friends in a Living Room

6 people are not wearing masks
4 hours together talking
5 will become infected
4 will become infected if masks are worn

How to Reduce the Risk

Less than1 person will be infected if:

6 people wear masks
Stay at least 6 feet apart
Open windows in the room
Cut time together in half

Bar or Restaurant at 50% Capacity

15 patrons
3 employees
No ventilation
14 customers will be infected after 4 hours
If masks are worn, 8 customers will be infected

How to Reduce the Risk

Less than1 person will be infected if:

Run air conditioner
Reduce time in building
Maintain safe distance
Wear masks

What Makes Indoors Good for Spreading the Coronavirus?

Talking releases 50 times more virus-laden particles, called aerosols, than not speaking. These particles can affect people within about 16 feet in minutes. These aerosols, are smaller than dust particles and can hang in the air for hours. Because the aerosols become more concentrated over time, the longer you stay inside at a gathering, the more exposed you are to the virus if someone in the same place has it.

Remember that about 20% of people who have coronavirus infections do not have symptoms, so you really can’t tell who is safe to be around.

Can Attending Indoor Gatherings Be Safe?

Small gatherings can be less risky if they are held outdoor or ventilated with windows, and if attendees stay at least six feet apart, wear masks and don’t stay long.

Sources: Covid Airborne Transmission Estimator and El País

This information has been reviewed and approved by Carrie Horn, MD (November 2020).

The information on our website is medically reviewed and accurate at the time of publication. Due to the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, information may have since changed. CDC.gov and your state’s health department may offer additional guidance.

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