Protecting Yourself and Others From Coronavirus

Do your part to slow the spread of COVID-19. Even if you are young, or otherwise healthy, you are still at risk, and your activities can increase the risk for others. It is critical that we all do our part to protect each other. Here’s what you can do:

Know how it spreads

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. Respiratory droplets are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land on objects and surfaces around the person. If a person touches these objects or surfaces and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth, they can become infected. People can also breathe in droplets from a person who coughs or exhales; this is why it is important to stay more than 6 feet away from a person who is sick. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus.

Take steps to protect YOURSELF

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.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Clean and disinfect frequently used items and surfaces in your home as much as possible. This includes tables, chairs, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, remotes, toilets, faucets and sinks.
Avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places such as elevator buttons, door handles and handrails. Avoid handshaking with people and use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something.
Stay home as much as possible and put at least 6 feet between yourself and other people.
If you are an older person or a person with a serious underlying health condition, stay home and away from other people.
Practice social distancing – avoid gathering in groups of more than 10 people.
Avoid eating or drinking at bars, restaurants and food courts. Use drive-thru, pick up or delivery options instead.
Avoid cruise travel, non-essential air travel and discretionary shopping trips.
Work or engage in schooling from home whenever possible.
Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing or taxis.

Take steps to protect OTHERS

Stay home if you are sick. People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to recover at home. If your symptoms worsen, call your primary care physician right away. They will instruct you on what to do. If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the operator that you have or think you might have COVID-19.
If your children are sick or if someone in your household has tested positive for COVID-19, keep the entire household at home. Do not go to work or to school and contact your medical provider.
Sneeze or cough into a tissue or the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash and 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.
Wear a facemask if you are sick or if you are caring for someone who is sick who can’t wear a facemask. If you are sick, you should wear a facemask when you are around other people. If you can’t put on a facemask, cover your coughs and sneezes and try to keep at least 6 feet away from other people. This will help protect those around you.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, chairs, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, remotes, toilets, faucets and sinks.