Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is a key part of prevention. But you should also take these steps:
Cover your nose and mouth in public - If you have COVID-19, you can spread it even if you don’t feel sick. Wear a cloth face covering to protect others. This isn’t a replacement for social distancing. You still need to keep a 6-foot distance between yourself and those around you.
Wash your hands - Wash your hands often with soap and water or clean them with an alcohol-based sanitizer. This kills viruses on your hands.
Don’t touch your face - Coronaviruses can live on surfaces you touch for several hours. If they get on your hands and you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, they can get into your body.
Practice social distancing - Because you can have and spread the virus without knowing it, you should stay home as much as possible. If you do have to go out, stay at least 6 feet away from others.
Clean and disinfect - You can clean first with soap and water, but disinfect surfaces you touch often, like tables, doorknobs, light switches, toilets, faucets, and sinks. Use a mix of household bleach and water (1/3 cup bleach per gallon of water, or 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water) or a household cleaner that’s approved to treat SARS-CoV-2.
In addition to practicing the prevention tips listed above, you can,
- Work from home if you can.
- Avoid travel when possible. This is especially important if you or someone you live with is older or has a health condition that raises the chances of serious COVID-19 illness.
- Visit with family and friends by phone and computer instead of in person.
- If you’re sick, stay in a separate bedroom away from others in your home.
- Do your shopping, especially for groceries or drugstore items, online if possible.
- Keep your pets away from people and animals outside your home. Cats should stay indoors as much as possible.
- Clean up pet waste properly. Wash your hands afterward and after you touch them, their food, or their toys.
- If you have COVID-19 symptoms, limit contact with your pet. If you can’t have someone else take care of your animals, wear a face mask when you’re around them, and wash your hands before and after you interact with them.
