Infection Control Measures for COVID-19

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 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.

If you have a fever, cough, or other symptoms

You might have COVID-19. Most people have mild illness and can recover at home. If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider.

• Keep track of your symptoms.
• If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), get emergency medical care immediately.

Steps to Help Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 if You are Sick

If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have COVID-19, follow the steps below to care for yourself and help protect other people in your home and community.

• Stay home. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.
• Take care of yourself. Get rest and stay hydrated.
• Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you have trouble breathing, or have any other emergency warning signs, or if you think it is an emergency.
• Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.

As much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people and pets in your home. If possible, use a separate bathroom. Wear a mask if you need to be around other people or animals in or outside of the house.

Monitor Your Symptoms

• Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, or other symptoms.
• Follow care instructions from your healthcare provider and MOH.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention

Look for emergency warning signs* for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

Call Ahead before Visiting Your Doctor

• Call ahead. Many medical visits for routine care are being postponed or done by phone or telemedicine.
• If you have a medical appointment that cannot be postponed, call your doctor’s office and tell them you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the office protect themselves and other patients.

If You are Sick Wear a Mask Over Your Nose and Mouth

• You should wear a mask over your nose and mouth if you are around other people or animals, including pets (even at home).
• Masks should not be placed on young children under age two years, anyone who has trouble breathing, or anyone who cannot remove the mask without help.

Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Throw away used tissues in a lined trash can.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 40 seconds. If soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol for at least 20 seconds.

Clean Your Hands Often

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 40 seconds. This is especially important after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
• Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and

Who is susceptible?

• Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms.
• Older adults and people with severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes may be at higher risk of developing more severe complications.

Watch for Symptoms

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Symptoms may appear 2–14 days after exposure to the virus. Reported symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention

Look for emergency warning signs* for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.