Protecting Yourself from COVID-19

Please follow these steps to minimize the chances of contracting or spreading COVID19:

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
The virus spreads mainly from person-to-person between people within 6-feet of each other.
The virus spreads through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even just talks.
These droplets can 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 can be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

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.
Wash all areas of your hands, especially between fingers and under your finger nails.
If you're unable to wash your hands, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol then wash your hands as soon as possible.
When washing, 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 with people who are not members of your home.
Stay home as much as possible even if you are healthy.
Practice social-distancing which means staying a minimum of 6-feet away from people. Remember that some people without symptoms can to spread the virus if they are infected.
These practices are especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Children who are home because of school closures should stay home; play dates with other children who are home is strongly discouraged.

Stay home if you are sick unless you need medical care.
Do not go out unnecessarily, even if you are healthy, as you may contract the virus and spread it to someone who has a greater health risk.
Cover your face when you leave the home with a face cloth or mask as much as possible and always in a public place where other people may come close.
Taking these steps to protect others also protects yourself and will bring the pandemic to an end much faster.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow if you are not wearing your face covering.
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.

You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
Everyone should wear a face covering when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.
Face 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 cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected but also provides you with some protection from others who are infected.
Face masks for healthcare workers should be reserved for them.
Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The face covering is not a substitute for social distancing.

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.

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