Lower your risk of getting sick with COVID-19

COVID-19 is changing our lives as it makes its way across the globe. Whether you’re social distancing at home, going to work or venturing out to do some shopping, you can take some simple steps to significantly lower your risk of getting sick with COVID-19.

Wash your hands (a lot!). Wash your hands with soap for 20+ seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Most people don’t wash their hands long enough. Make sure to thoroughly wash your hands, covering every area of your hand from the fingernails to the backs and sides. Change hand towels frequently and step up your cleaning/sanitizing at home, targeting commonly used areas such as door knobs, counter tops and other surfaces.

Cover coughs and sneezes correctly. When you need to cough or sneeze, use a tissue or your elbow to block the particles from going into the air. If you use a tissue, go back to the first tip and wash your hands.

Don’t touch your face. The virus can enter through your eyes, nose or mouth, so make sure you’re avoiding touching your face unless you’ve thoroughly washed your hands right before. However, keep in mind, you’ll need to wash your hands again after touching your face.

Keep a safe distance. When around others, we need to be practicing a safe distance. Think about this if you have to go to work or the grocery store. It’s best to keep a distance of six feet from other people. Keeping a healthy space between you and others can prevent exposure to airborne particles. Consider wearing a face mask when you venture out — the CDC recommends wearing one in situations in which you can’t keep the recommended distance from others. Here are CDC-recommended sew and no-sew mask ideas.

Stay home when you can. If you suspect you have the virus, make sure to stay home as not to risk others getting it. Talk to your physician. The CDC offers a “Coronavirus Self-Checker” that can guide you on what the next steps are and if you should be tested. Also, keep in mind, even if you’re not sick, staying home is still one of the best ways to slow the spread of the virus. This may feel limiting, but the good news is, this doesn’t mean you can’t get outside. If you do go out, take a walk with those you live with, and avoid being around others. There are also multiple ideas online regarding how you can fill your time.

Let’s “flatten the curve” by following these tips from The WHO.