COVID-19: Safety Tips for You

As some communities begin to reopen during the global coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), public health officials say the best way to prevent the disease is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

Here are some steps from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help protect yourself and others. Stay informed of what is happening in your community and always follow the directions of state and local authorities.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS

• Wash your hands frequently  with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not on hand, 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. Some people without symptoms can still spread the virus.
  • Stay home as much as possible and avoid nonessential travel.
  • Practice social distancing and keep a distance of at least 6 feet - about two arms - from others if you have to go out and be with people.
  • Stay connected with loved ones through video calls, phone calls, text messages, or social media.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth mask when you are around other people and when you have to go to a public place, such as a warehouse store. The purpose of the cloth mask is to protect others in case you are infected.
  • However, DO NOT put cloth face masks on young children under 2 years of age, a person who is having difficulty breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated, or unable to remove without assistance.
  • Also, DO NOT wear a mask intended for healthcare workers.
  • Continue to keep a distance of approximately 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth mask is not a substitute for social distancing.
  • Check out the CDC guidelines , including how to create your own cloth face mask.
• Cover when you cough or sneeze . Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth, and throw used tissues in a lined trash can. If you don't have a tissue handy, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands. Wash your hands immediately.
• Clean and disinfect contact objects and surfaces frequently . This includes tables, door handles, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, telephones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. Follow the  CDC guidelines .

WHO IS AT MOST RISK?

According to the CDC, initial information shows that older adults, people who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility, and people of any age with the conditions detailed below are at higher risk of getting sick from COVID- 19.

• Have serious underlying medical conditions , particularly if they are not well controlled, such as heart, lung or liver disease; diabetes; moderate to severe asthma; severe obesity; and chronic kidney disease and are on dialysis.
• They have a weakened immune system , even people who undergo cancer treatment, smoke, and have other conditions that compromise their immune system.

If you are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, it is essential that you:

• Stay home if possible and follow the other steps above. Avoid all non-essential air travel and cruise travel.
• Call your healthcare provider if you have concerns,  or ask how you can get any additional necessary medications in case you need to stay home for an extended period of time.
• Call a medical professional as soon as COVID-19 symptoms begin , if you are a higher risk population.
• Consult the CDC guidelines for more information for those most at risk.

IF HE IS SICK

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, plus those listed on the CDC website . Pay attention to symptoms, which can occur 2 to 14 days after exposure, and call for medical attention if symptoms worsen, such as if you have trouble breathing.

If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Mild illness
Most people have a mild illness and can recover at home. If you think you are sick:

• Stay home and call your doctor  for medical advice and before going to the office. Older adults and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions should call their healthcare provider as soon as symptoms begin.
• Separate yourself from other people in your home.
  • Avoid sharing personal household items such as plates, glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, and bedding. Wash items thoroughly with hot soapy water after use.
  • On your own, clean and disinfect all high-touch surfaces in your sick room and designated bathroom daily . A healthy member of the household should do the same with regard to surfaces in other parts of the house. If you share the bathroom, have the person who is sick clean and disinfect it after each use.
• Wear a cloth mask when with other people (eg, sharing a room or vehicle) and before entering a healthcare provider's office. See CDC guidelines .

Emergency Warning Signs
If your symptoms become severe, call for immediate medical attention. Warning signs include:

1. Difficulty breathing
   
   
2. Persistent chest pain or pressure
   
   
3. Sudden confusion
   
   
4. Inability to stay awake or stay awake
   
   
5. Bluish lips or face

This list is not all-inclusive. Check with your healthcare provider for any other symptoms that are serious or concerning. Call 911 if you have a medical emergency and report if you have, or think you might have, COVID-19.