Yes. Infected people in all age groups – including adolescents – can transmit the virus to other people, even if they have mild symptoms or do not feel ill.
The virus is spread from person to person through liquid particles such as aerosols (smaller) and droplets (larger) from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes or speaks. People can catch COVID-19 if they breathe in these droplets from an adolescent infected with the virus. Therefore, it is important to stay at least 1 meter away from others. These droplets can land on objects and surfaces. People can then become infected by touching these objects or surfaces, and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
Further resources:
- Read our Q&A on Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): How is it transmitted? for more information on how COVID-19 spreads between people