According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 poses a serious public health risk. It's important to respect local and national guidelines in order to protect vulnerable community members and healthcare workers as well as to curb the spread of the disease.
Every person can do their part. Here are the best practices recommended by the CDC for staying healthy and keeping the people around you safe.
In the best-case scenario, CDC interventions will minimize the spread and severity of the coronavirus. However, individuals can take preventative action to keep themselves and the people around them healthy.
1. Cover your face
The CDC is currently asking that everyone wear a cloth face covering any time they leave home (while also maintaining a minimum social distance of six feet from those around them). Masks should have multiple layers of fabric, fit snugly on the face, and be tied or looped behind the ears. They should be washed after every single use. Masks prevent those who are infected (and may not know it) from spreading the virus to others around them.
2. Wash your hands
This is the most important step that anyone can take to keep themselves healthy and to prevent the spread of germs. Hand washing should last a minimum of 20 seconds and should include vigorous scrubbing with warm water and antibacterial soap. After, dry hands with a clean towel or let them air dry. You should wash hands after grocery runs, socially distant outings, and trips to the bathroom; before preparing or eating food; and after contact with public spaces like doorknobs, staircase railings, elevator buttons, transportation, etc.
3. Sanitize surfaces
In addition to washing your hands, the CDC says you should sanitize the surfaces and items you come into contact with throughout the day. This includes your phone, computer keyboard, countertops, tables, desks, remote controls, toys for kids and pets, touchscreens, etc.
4. Avoid anyone who is sneezing or coughing
Don’t worry about being rude; step as far away as possible from anyone exhibiting unhealthy symptoms like coughing, sneezing, or sniffling. Even if they aren’t sick with a serious infection, their germs can lower your immunity. And if you’re sick, stay home.
5. Cover your sneezes and coughs
Even if you’re just suffering from allergies, it’s critical to properly cover your sneezes and coughs by covering your face with a tissue (as recommended by the CDC). If you are exhibiting symptoms of illness, stay home if possible.
6. Avoid face touching
As much as possible, keep your hands off your face, especially away from your nose, mouth, and eyes. If you’re around kids, try to prevent them from doing the same or from putting anything in their mouths.
7. Stay home when sick
This will help prevent any illness you do contract from progressing farther than it should in addition to protecting the people around you. As much as possible, avoid running errands; instead, reach out to loved ones, contact neighbors through Nextdoor, or sign up for a no-contact food delivery service.
8. Maintain healthy practices
Practicing a generally healthy lifestyle will support your immune system and help you to stay generally well and to better fight off illness. Eat healthy foods, stay hydrated, get sufficient sleep, be physically active, and take a multivitamin.
If you are healthy, no. Both the CDC and the surgeon general have asked that healthy individuals stop buying face masks and N95 respirators because these are needed by healthcare professionals and those with compromised immune systems. The panicked purchasing of these masks has caused price gouging and counterfeits, both of which are deleterious to public welfare.
Only healthcare professionals, caretakers, and those who have been told to wear a mask by a medical specialist should wear N95 respirators.
First, you should know the common symptoms of the coronavirus according to the World Health Organization:
Respiratory symptoms
Cough
Shortness of breath
Breathing difficulties
Fever
If you’re exhibiting any of these symptoms, be they from a common cold or something more serious, you should stay home to take care of yourself and avoid infecting others. If you’re worried, call your medical professional to determine if you need an evaluation.
If you feel sick, prioritize rest, hydration, and healthy eating. Monitor your temperature and take comforting showers or baths. Monitor your symptoms and seek medical attention in the case that they worsen.
In general, it’s best to play it safe. This will help keep you, your kids, your loved ones, and your community as safe and healthy as possible.
Don't go overboard buying more than you need, but make sure to restock any of these items before you start running low.
Hand soap: Hand washing is a fundamentally important infection prevention practice, so stock your home with plenty of soap.
Disinfectant wipes/spray: Keep alcohol-based wipes or a disinfectant spray in high-traffic areas of your home like bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, and other living spaces. You should also keep a travel pack for your bag when you leave home.
Hand sanitizer: In situations where you don’t have access to a sink, the CDC recommends that you opt for a hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60 percent alcohol content. Keep sanitizer in your purse, backpack, or whatever bag you carry with you to make sure you always have it, just in case.
Prescription and over-the-counter medications: It’s a wise idea to stock up on prescriptions for yourself and anyone in your care, as well as OTC medications like pain relievers and anti-fever pills. Get at least one month’s worth of each. Consider also adding a multivitamin to your daily routine.
Tissues: Keep a box of tissues handy, especially in public spaces like your workplace. Carry a pocket pack with you in case you start to cough or sneeze elsewhere.
