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.

1. Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 2 meters).

2. Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.

3. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of nearby people or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

4. 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.