STAYING HEALTHY
COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet) for a prolonged period. Spread happens when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and droplets from their mouth or nose are launched into the air and land in the mouths or noses of people nearby. The droplets can also be inhaled into the lungs. Recent studies indicate that people who are infected but do not have symptoms likely also play a role in the spread of COVID-19.
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. COVID-19 can live for hours or days on a surface, depending on factors such as sun light and humidity.
Although the risk of severe illness may be different for everyone, anyone can get and spread COVID-19. Everyone has a role to play in slowing the spread and protecting themselves, their family, and their community.
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. You can take steps to protect yourself and others during a COVID-19 outbreak. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. Recent studies indicate that people who are infected but do not have symptoms likely also play a role in the spread of COVID-19. There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
WEAR A FACE MASK
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Everyone should wear a cloth face mask when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.
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The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.
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Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others.
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Cloth face coverings 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.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
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Stay at least 6 feet from other people
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Keep physical space between yourself and other people
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Do not gather in groups
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Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings
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When COVID-19 is spreading in your area, everyone should limit close contact with individuals outside your household in indoor and outdoor spaces.
KEEP YOUR HANDS CLEAN
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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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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
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.
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AVOID CLOSE CONTACT
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Stay home as much as possible
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Put distance between yourself and other people.
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Remember that people without symptoms can spread the virus.
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Distance is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting sick.
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.
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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.
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If soap and water aren’t available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
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