A new study has revealed the point in a case of coronavirus when a patient is most infectious. German scientists have found people with Covid-19 "shed" the virus at the highest levels during the first week they experience symptoms.
They remain the most infectious for up to eight days after experiencing their first symptoms, and 10 or 11 days for more severe cases.
Nine young and middle-aged adults who tested positive for the virus being treated for mild upper respiratory tract symptoms at a hospital in Munich were the subjects of the new study.
Researchers analysed throat and lung samples from the patients as well as their sputum (mucus from the respiratory system), stools, blood and urine.