The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers guidance to help the public prevent the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions, such as heart or lung disease, or diabetes, are at higher risk for developing serious complications from COVID-19 illness.
How COVID-19 Spreads
Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure to the virus.
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who do not show symptoms.
Click the image to download the CDC flier.
Prevention Guidelines
- 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 70% 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 – less than 6 feet distance - with others outside your household or anyone in your household who may be sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- Monitor your health daily for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
