Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 occurs within households; however, transmission estimates vary widely and the data on transmission from children are limited. Findings from a prospective household study with intensive daily observation for ≥ 7 consecutive days indicate that transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among household members was frequent from either children or adults.

Household transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is common and occurs early after illness onset. Persons should self-isolate immediately at the onset of COVID-like symptoms, at the time of testing as a result of a high- risk exposure, or at the time of a positive test result, whichever comes first. All household members, including the person infected, should wear masks within shared spaces in the household.

An important finding of this study is that fewer than half of household members with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections reported symptoms at the time infection was first detected and many reported no symptoms throughout 7 days of follow-up, underscoring the potential for transmission from asymptomatic secondary contacts and the importance of quarantine. Persons aware of recent close contact with an infected person, such as a household member, should quarantine in their homes and get tested for SARS-CoV-2.

Stay the course, stay strong, stay well, mask up and stay tuned!