Older adults and people who have severe
underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher
risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. Please
consult with your health care provider about additional steps you may be able
to take to protect yourself.
The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for
America: 15 Days to Slow the Spreadpdf iconexternal icon
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 other people 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
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.
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:
To make a bleach solution, mix:
o
5 tablespoons (1/3rd
cup) bleach per gallon of water
OR
OR
o
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 bleach with
ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective
against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
·
Alcohol
solutions.
Ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol.
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.).
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.).
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