CDC RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE PROTECTION AGAINST COVID-19
Know how it spreads
For the most up to date information visit www.cdc.gov
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COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and free!
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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 6 feet).
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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 people who are nearby 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.
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Everyone should wash your hands often
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Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
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It’s especially important to wash:
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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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If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
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Avoid close contact
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Inside your home: Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
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If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members.
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Outside your home: Put 6 feet of distance between yourself and people who don’t live in your household.
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Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.
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Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.
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Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
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Cover your mouth and nose with a 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 in case 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 difficult 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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Do NOT use a mask meant for a healthcare worker. Currently, surgical masks and N95 respirators are critical supplies that should be reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders.
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Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The mask is not a substitute for social distancing.
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Cover coughs and sneezes
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Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow and 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 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
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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 prior to disinfection.
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Then, use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work.
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Monitor Your Health Daily
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Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
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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 6 feet.
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Take your temperature if symptoms develop.
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Don’t take your temperature within 30 minutes of exercising or after taking medications that could lower your temperature, like acetaminophen.
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Follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop.
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