Coronaviruses, like COVID-19, are most often spread through the air by coughing or sneezing, through close personal contact (including touching and shaking hands) or through touching your nose, mouth or eyes before washing your hands.
To help prevent the spread, the best thing you can do is stay home as much as possible – especially if:
- You are sick with COVID-19
- You think you might have COVID-19 and have mild symptoms
- You believe you might have COVID-19
You should also follow these common-sense measures to help protect yourself and others from spreading COVID-19 and other viruses:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds at a time.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Do not reuse tissue after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
- Practice social distancing when you can, staying at least 6 feet away from others.
Learn more from the CDC about how COVID-19 spreads and how to protect yourself and your community from getting and spreading respiratory illnesses.
