With businesses slowly opening up in Texas and the U.S., and with some restrictions being lifted, we still have to consider good hygiene practices to prevent the spread or being contaminated with COVID-19. Here are some basic tips and guidelines from the CDC to make sure that you stay safe.
Know How it’s Spread
There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, and the only true way at the moment to not get the virus is to stay away from it. The good news is that we can learn how the disease spreads to apply better hygienic practices to help stop the spread and contamination of the virus. How does the virus spread? The virus is mainly spread by person-to-person, and between people who are in close contact with one another (within 6 feet). When people are in close contact with each other respiratory droplets can land in your mouth, nose, or possibly be inhaled. when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Some recent studies have shown that people who are not showing symptoms can still spread the virus.
Clean Your Hands Often
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. The best time would be after you have been in a public place (grocery store, mail room, gas station) or after you have been blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If you do not have access to soap and water, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% 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
Avoiding close contact with people who are infected is a great way to prevent the risk of the getting the virus and spreading it to others. Staying at home as much as possible and keeping your social distance from other people are also good practices.
Cover Your Mouth & Nose With a Cloth When Around Others
Everyone should wear a cloth over their mouth and nose when they have to go out in public, such as the grocery store. Cloths should not be placed on young children under the age of 2, and anyone who has trouble breathing, or unable to remove the mask without assistance. The cloth is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.Continue to keep 6 feet apart from others, and remember the facemask does not substitute for social distancing.
Cover Coughs & Sneezes
If you are in a private setting and do not have on your face mask, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow when you sneeze. Throw used tissues in trash immediately. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, clean your hands with hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Clean & Disinfect
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes doorknobs, countertops, desk, handles, tables, light switches, phones, faucets, keyboards, and sinks. If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use all purpose or soap and water prior to disinfection.
This article is for general information purposes only. For more information regarding specific health requirements or regulated guidelines please consult with a licensed professional or visit the Center for Disease & Control website.