The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, has been a major health concern for the past year. To protect yourself and others from getting sick, it is important to understand the best ways to prevent the spread of the virus. Wearing masks or respirators, washing your hands properly, and getting vaccinated are all effective ways to reduce your risk of contracting the virus. Masks or respirators are designed to fit tightly to the face and filter out particles, including the virus that causes COVID-19. They can also block droplets and particles that you breathe, cough, or sneeze from transmitting them to other people.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website provides guidelines on how to properly wash your hands and use hand sanitizer. Additionally, there is a video available on how soap kills coronavirus. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective, and free. It is especially important for people who are at greater risk of developing a serious illness due to COVID-19, such as older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions, including pregnancy.
If you are not fully vaccinated and are 2 years of age or older, you should wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth in closed public places. A cloth face covering may not protect the user, but it may prevent the user from transmitting the virus to others. In areas with a high number of COVID-19 cases, it is recommended that people consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor environments for activities where they are in close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated or in situations where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. If you use a mask when you cough or sneeze, put on a new, clean mask as soon as possible and wash your hands.
If you're not wearing a mask, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow. Throw away used tissues in the trash and immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or, if soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets. This can happen when a person with the virus coughs, sneezes, sings, or talks when they are around other people.
By following certain safety measures closely, you can help protect yourself and others from getting sick.
