Coronavirus protection tips

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Take steps to protect yourself

1. Clean your hands often

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
    • after you have been in a public place
    • after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    • after using the restroom
    • before eating or preparing food
    • after contact with animals or pets
  • 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.

2. Avoid close contact

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk for getting very sick.
    • People who are at higher risk are: Older adults, people with serious medical conditions (Heart disease, Diabetes, Lung disease)

3. Take steps to protect others

  • Stay home if you’re sick, except to get medical care.
  • If you are sick:
    • Stay home
    • Do not go to public places: work, school, public areas
    • Do not use public transportation, ride sharing or taxis.
  • Coughs and sneezes

  • 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.
  • Wear a facemask
  • If you are sick, you should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.
  • If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room.
  • If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask).
  • Clean and disinfect
  • Clean AND disinfect frequently tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
  • If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

Source: CDC (2020). Steps to prevent illness.