Stay healthy

The virus is very infectious (easy to catch). Everyone is in danger of being infected and infecting other people.

• When an infected person sneezes or coughs, they release a droplet (a tiny drop of moisture) with the virus in it.
• Droplets can land in the mouth, eyes, or nose of person nearby and go into the lungs. This is the main way the virus spreads.
• The droplets can also land on clothing or another surface. When another person touches the surface, they can get infected.
• The virus can be in the aerosols (microscopic particles) we breathe out. It is possible that another person could breathe in aerosols from an infected person and get the virus.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Wash your hands after you touch surfaces or things touched by other people.
• Keep washing for at least 20 seconds.
• Wash the backs of your hands and under your nails too.
• If you cannot use soap and water, use hand sanitizer.
• Find hand washing information in many languages.

• Stay home and keep children at home if anyone in your household is sick or has tested positive for COVID-19.
• If you do need to go out, practice “social distancing” by keeping 6 feet (2 meters) away from any person you do not live with. Do it in the grocery store and when you are walking in the street.
• Avoid social visits with friends or neighbors. Stay away from public gatherings and try to keep your shopping trips to once per week or less.
• Do not travel unless absolutely necessary.
• Avoid public transportation as much as you can.
• Do not visit elderly people or sick people, who are more at risk.
• Find social distancing information in many languages.

Your nose, mouth, and eyes are where the virus most often enters the body. You can protect yourself with some simple rules:

• Do not touch your face when you are out of your home.
• If you have touched objects outside of your home, do not touch your face at home until you have washed your hands.
• Do not use your hand to cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. Use a tissue and then throw it away. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your arm instead of your hand.
• Wearing a mask will help remind you not to touch your face.

Wearing a mask can help slow the spread of the virus.
The CDC says if people cover their nose and mouths with a cloth face cover or mask when they are in public places, it can help slow down the spread of the virus. This is because the virus is spread when someone with the virus coughs or sneezes and a face cover will help make sure the infected droplets cannot travel very far.

There are different kinds of masks.
The masks that most of us will wear during the coronavirus emergency are made from cotton or other fibers. They are not the medical masks that doctors and nurses need to stay safe.

It is hard to find masks to buy.
If you cannot buy masks, you can make them yourself. If you cannot make a mask, you can use a piece of cloth that covers your mouth and nose.

Wearing a mask will not stop you from getting COVID-19.
You still need to keep your distance. But masks do help to stop people spreading the virus before they know they are infected. They can be especially helpful in places where it is difficult to stay far away from other people, like at the grocery store.

COVID-19 can be spread by people who have no symptoms.
It can take some people up to two weeks to have symptoms and some people never have any symptoms at all, but they are still able to spread the virus. Wearing a mask helps to stop the spread of the virus by reducing the amount of germs we share.

Keep your mask clean.
Your mask should be washed after every time you wear it if you can.

Do not put a mask on someone who cannot take it off.
CDC says masks should not be put on children under 2 years old or on people who cannot remove a mask by themselves if they need to.

• Don’t invite guests to your home. If someone comes to your door, keep 6 feet away from them.
• Clean surfaces often if you touch them often.
• Use disinfectants. If you do not have any disinfectant, you can make your own. Mix 4 teaspoons of bleach with 1 quart of water.
• If someone gets sick in your household, keep them apart from everyone else. Clean everything they touch. Try to get or make face masks.
• Keep your pets away from other people.
• Make an emergency contact list. Include your local health department, your doctor or health center, your work, and your children’s school. Add any important community support or friends you may need to contact if you get sick.

People often give us information they have seen or heard because they want to help! During times of panic, incorrect information – also known as misinformation or myths – can spread very quickly through social media. Watch a video about some of the common myths about coronavirus and learn how to stay safe with good information.

It is dangerous to pass on wrong information about cures and protection against COVID-19. If you want to give advice, give people information from your local health department or from CDC.

At the beginning of the coronavirus emergency, a lot of people got scared and bought too many things. Shops ran out of basic supplies. While it is important not to take more than we need, it is good to be prepared. If possible, make sure you have enough household items and groceries in place to last for two weeks. Then you will be ready if you get sick or if stores are closed.

Here are some things you might want to buy:

• Dried beans, lentils, pasta, and grains
• Canned fruits, vegetables, and beans
• Bread (you can freeze bread to keep it fresh)
• Frozen meat, fish, vegetables and fruit

All of these foods will keep for a long time.

1. Stay positive
It is natural to feel worried or depressed, but try to think positively. Remind yourself that you have overcome many challenges and that you will make it through future difficult times. Find the positive things happening in the news and in your community.

2. Don’t read or watch too much bad news
Limit news to about 20 minutes per day. This will keep you up to date on how to stay safe without making you feel overwhelmed or scared.

3. Get some exercise
You can go for a fast walk if it is safe to do so in your area. Maybe you have a garden to work in. To get exercise inside, follow a free exercise video on YouTube. Exercise will give your body and your mind a boost of positive energy.

4. Get enough sleep
You will feel better and stay healthy if you make sleep an important part of your life. Many of us find it difficult to sleep when we are anxious. Others may sleep too much. Set a schedule for 7-8 hours of good sleep a night. Sleep improves your mood, your thinking, and your patience.

5. Stay connected
You can talk to your friends and family by chat app, video, phone or social media. Tell them how you are feeling and listen to how they are feeling. Talk about things you are interested in. Make plans for the future. Find the support and resources you need to keep your mind and body healthy!