HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

KNOW HOW IT SPREADS

• There is currently no 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.
  • Between people who are in close contact with one
    another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected
    person coughs or sneezes.
• These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of
  people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF

CLEAN YOUR HANDS OFTEN

• 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.
• 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.
• Avoid touching
  your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

AVOID CLOSE CONTACT

• Avoid close contact
  with people who are sick
• Put distance between yourself and otherpeople
  if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important
  for people who are at higher risk of getting
  very sick.

TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT OTHERS

STAY HOME IF YOU’RE SICK

• Stay home
  if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.

COVER COUGHS AND SNEEZES

• 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.
• 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.

WEAR A FACEMASK IF YOU ARE SICK

• If you are sick:
  You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing
  a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If
  you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes
  trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and
  sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they
  enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.

• If you are NOT sick: You
  do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is
  sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short
  supply and they should be saved for caregivers.

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 prior to disinfection.

To disinfect:
Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants
appropriate for the surface.

Options include:

• Diluting your household bleach.
  To make a bleach solution, mix:

   

  • 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
    OR
  • 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleachwith ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effectiveagainst coronaviruses when properly diluted.

• Alcohol solutions.
  Ensure solution has at least
  70% alcohol.
• Other common EPA-registered household disinfectants.
  Products with EPA-approved
  emerging viral pathogens pdf icon[7 pages]external icon claims are expected to be effective against
  COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products
  (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).