How to Protect Yourself and Others

Know how it spreads

• There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
• The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
• The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks
  • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
  • Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

Everyone should

 

Clean your hands often

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after
  you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at
  least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until
  they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

• • Limit contact with others as much as possible.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Put distance between yourself and other people.
    •   Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.
    •   This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting
      very sick. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-athigher-risk.html

Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others

• You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
• Everyone should wear a cloth face covering in public settings and when
  around people not living in their household, especially when social distancing
  is difficult to maintain.
  • Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone
    who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable
    to remove the mask without assistance.
• The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
• Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.
• Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face
  cover is not a substitute for social distancing.

Cover coughs and sneezes

• Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or
  use the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If
  soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that
  contains at least 60% alcohol.

Clean and disinfect

• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables,
  doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets,
  faucets, and sinks. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/disinfecting-your-home.html
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior
  to disinfection.
• Then, use a household disinfectant. You can see a list of EPA-registered
  household disinfectants here.