What Do I Need to Know?
PREVENTION
You can take steps to protect yourself and others during a COVID-19 outbreak.
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. Recent studies indicate that people who are infected but do not have symptoms likely also play a role in the spread of COVID-19.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. To practice social or physical distancing:
Stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) from other people
Do not gather in groups
Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings
DAILY LIFE & COPING
Learn how you can plan, prepare, and cope with stress before and during a COVID-19 outbreak.
Plan and make decisions in advance of an illness.
Know how to protect and support the children in your care.
Find ways to cope with stress that will make you, your loved ones, and your community stronger.
HANDWASHING
Recommended Guidelines
Follow Five Steps to Wash Your Hands the Right Way
Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community—from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals.
Follow these five steps every time.
Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water.
CDC recommends cleaning hands in a specific way to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.
Proper handwashing is also a crucial component in fighting the current Coronavirus pandemic.
Both the CDC and ISDH are reputable sites to obtain information on handwashing techniques that are proven effective.