How to Protect Yourself and Others

Know How it Spreads

• There is currently no approved 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 2 meters).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
• These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of nearby people 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

Wash Your Hands Often and thoroughly

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 40 seconds or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in a public place or blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• It’s crucial to wash your hands:
• Before eating or preparing food
• Before touching your face
• After using the restroom
• After leaving a public place
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After handling your mask
• After changing a diaper
• After caring for someone sick
• After touching animals or pets
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid Close Contact

• Inside your home: Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If possible, maintain 2 meters between the person who is sick and other household members.
• Outside your home: Put 2 meters of distance between yourself and people who don’t live in your household.
• Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus.
• Stay at least 2 meters (about two arms’ length) from other people.
• Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Cover Your Mouth and Nose with Mask When Around Others

• You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
• The mask is meant to protect other people if you are infected.
• Everyone should wear a mask in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are challenging to maintain.
• Masks 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.
• Continue to keep about 2 meters between yourself and others. The mask 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. You can use the inside of your elbow. Please do not spit.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 40 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol for at least 20 seconds.

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.
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water before disinfection.
• Then, use a household disinfectant.

Monitor Your Health Daily

• Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
• It is especially important if you are running essential errands, going into the office or workplace, and in settings where it may be difficult to keep a physical distance of 2 meters.