Know How it Spreads
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There is currently no approved vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
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The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
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The virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person.
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Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 2 meters).
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Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
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These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of nearby people or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
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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
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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.
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It’s crucial to wash your hands:
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Before eating or preparing food
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Before touching your face
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After using the restroom
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After leaving a public place
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After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
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After handling your mask
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After changing a diaper
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After caring for someone sick
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After touching animals or pets
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid Close Contact
Cover Your Mouth and Nose with Mask When Around Others
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You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
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The mask is meant to protect other people if you are infected.
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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.
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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.
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Continue to keep about 2 meters between yourself and others. The mask is not a substitute for social distancing.
Cover Coughs and Sneezes
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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.
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Throw used tissues in the trash.
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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
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Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
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If surfaces are dirty, clean them.
Use detergent or soap and water before disinfection.
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Then, use a household disinfectant.
Monitor Your Health Daily