How To Protect Yourself & Others

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. According to the CDC, there are simple everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, which include:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should:

• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

The CDC recommends that you seek medical advice if you have been to China or another affected area in the last 14 days, or have been exposed to someone sick with COVID-19 and feel ill with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing. Call the office of your health care provider before you go, and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms. They will give you instructions on how to get care without exposing other people to your illness.

Information from Health Care Organizations and Agencies:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


• World Health Organization


• South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

Print Resources:

• What You Need To Know
  
• Share Facts About COVID-19
  
• What To Do If You Are Sick
  
• Symptoms of Coronavirus 2019
  
• Stop The Spread Of Germs
  
• Cover Your Cough
  
• Preparing For The Spread Of COVID-19
  
• Celebrating Winter Holidays
  

This page was adapted from CDC.gov, last accessed June 10, 2020: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html