How to Protect Yourself

• There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19.
• The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
• The virus spreads mainly from person-to-person.
  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (less than 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
  • These droplets land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
  • Recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds now and then.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home as much as possible.
• Put distance between yourself and other people.
  • Remember that some people without symptoms can spread the virus.
  • Keep distance from others, especially for people with a higher risk of getting very sick.

• You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
• Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public.
• Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2.
• The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
• Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.

* The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing. Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others.

• 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.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily, including tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water.

To disinfect:

Most EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.

• Options include:
  • 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water; or
  • 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

  * Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.

• Alcohol solutions.
  Ensure the solution has at least 70% alcohol.
• Other common EPA-registered household disinfectants.
  * Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses.