- Coronavirus is quickly spreading all over the world. Everyone should be aware of ways to avoid getting exposed to the virus. Here are eight ways to do exactly that.Practice being socially distant. This means avoiding close contact with other people. Stay at least six feet apart from other people.
If you are closer than this, when a person coughs or sneezes, droplets of saliva could get into your nose or mouth or be inhaled into your lungs.
- Be sure to wash your hands after being outside, blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Wash with soap and water for at least twenty seconds.
- Use hand sanitizer to disinfect the surfaces of your hands. The hand sanitizer needs to have at least 60 percent alcohol. Put it all over the surface of your hands and rub your hands together until they are dry.
Do this often throughout the day, after being outside, using the restroom, blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
- Try your best to avoid contact with people who are sick or infected with the coronavirus. If you are sick, stay home! Do not attend work or school. See a doctor and self-quarantine to minimize your person-to-person contact.
- Wear a facemask if you are a patient or a caregiver. Sick people should wear the mask when they are in a small space with others. They should wear the mask to a healthcare provider’s office to protect other patients.
You should cover your coughs or sneezes as best as possible if you cannot breathe with the facemask on. Caregivers should wear a facemask to prevent taking in germs.
- Be sure to clean and disinfect surfaces that you touch daily. This includes laptops, phones, light switches, countertops, toilets, and sinks. Disinfectants include: detergent, soap and water, disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray.
You can also dilute your household bleach for disinfecting. Use five tablespoons of bleach for every gallon of water you use. Also, use alcohol solutions with at least 70 percent alcohol.
- Avoid travelling outside of the country, specifically to places with confirmed cases of coronavirus. Countries with confirmed cases include: China, Italy, Germany and others. The CDC website has a complete list of countries with confirmed cases and travel advisories.
- Most importantly, be sure to stay informed and follow the developments about COVID-19. Listen to what your healthcare provider says, as well as the national and local public health authority and your employer. Take these steps to protect yourself and others from infection.
