WHAT IS COVID-19?

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered strain of coronavirus, a type of virus known to cause respiratory infections in humans. This new strain was unknown before December 2019, when an outbreak of a pneumonia of unidentified cause emerged in Wuhan, China.

HOW TO STOP THE SPREAD OF COVID-19?

     1) Wash 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.

2) Avoid close contact

👉  Avoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside your home. If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members.

👉  Put distance between yourself and other people outside of your home.

👉  Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.

👉  Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.

👉  Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

3) Cover your mouth and nose with face mask

 when around others

👉  You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.

👉  Everyone should wear a face mask when they have to go out in public. For example, to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.

👉  Face mask 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.

👉  The face mask is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.

👉  Do NOT use a face mask meant for a healthcare worker.

👉  Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others.

4) Cover coughs and sneezes

👉  If you are around others and do not have on 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 and do not spit.

👉  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.

5) Clean and disinfect

👉  Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sink

👉  If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

👉  Then, use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectantsextercal icon will work.

6) Monitor your health

👉  Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.

👉  Especially important if you are running essential errands, going into the office or workplace and in settings where it may be difficult to keep a physical distance of 6 feet.

👉  Take your temperature if symptoms develop.

👉  Don’t take your temperature within 30 minutes of exercising or after taking medications that could lower your temperature, like acetaminophen.