Preventative Measures & Additional Information

Prevention & Treatment

The best way to reduce the spread of COVID-19 is to get vaccinated as well as take precautions to avoid being exposed to COVID-19.

How the Virus Spreads

The virus spreads mainly person-to-person:

Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled through the lungs.

How To Protect Yourself

Clean 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.

Avoid Close Contact

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community.

How To Take Steps To Protect Others

Stay Home if You're Sick

Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.

Cover Coughs & Sneezes

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
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.

Wear a Facemask if You Are Sick

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.

Clean & Disinfect

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.

Watch For Symptoms

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed COVID-19 cases.

The following symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure.

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath

Call your doctor if you develop symptoms, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 OR have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19.

If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, follow the steps here to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community.