Everyone should:
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after having been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay at home as much as possible.
- Wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public. However, this is not a substitute for social distancing.
Cover coughs and sneezes
- If you are in a private setting and do not have your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
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 using detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
Know how it spreads
- The virus is thought to primarily spread from person-to-person transmission.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
- These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
- Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who exhibit no symptoms.
For more information, visit cdc.gov/corornavirus.