Below are some steps to help protect yourself and others.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS
1. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
2. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus.
- Stay home as much as possible and avoid non-essential travel.
- Practice social distancing by keeping at least 6 feet about two arm lengths away from others if you must go out in public.
- Stay connected with loved ones through video and phone calls, texts and social media.
3. Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others and when you must go out in public, such as to a grocery store. The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
- However, do NOT place cloth face coverings on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
- In addition, do NOT use a facemask meant for a health care worker.
- Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.
4. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks. Follow CDC guidance.
WHO IS AT A HIGHER RISK?
Individuals of any age with the conditions below are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19:
- Have serious underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as heart, lung or liver disease; diabetes; moderate to severe asthma; severe obesity; and chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis.
- Have a weakened immune system, including those undergoing cancer treatment, smoking and having other immunocompromised conditions.
