5 Tips to Manage the Spread of Coronavirus

Protect yourself and your loved ones from the spread of COVID-19 by being mindful of the following. It’s easy to fall down a rabbit hole thinking of what you could be doing to avoid getting sick, but the best we can do is practice social distancing and these tried-and-true methods. 

1

Wash your hands.

Frequent hand washing is one of the most effective ways to limit the spread of disease. Good, old-fashioned soap and water is still the best way to go about washing your hands. Create a lather for at least 20 seconds, or the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice.

If you’re out running essential errands, like getting groceries or pumping gas, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer offers a decent alternative to regular hand washing.

2

Avoid people who show signs of illness.

Coronavirus is spread through contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person. This could be a surface or material that an infected person recently touched. However, the main way coronavirus is transmitted is through respiratory droplets in the air. Droplets from a cough or sneeze can travel up to six feet away. This is how the recent standard of six feet of separation between people came to be.

3

Stay home if you’re sick.

Whether or not coronavirus is to blame, if you’re not feeling your best, stay home. This is the best way to avoid spreading germs from one person to another. Quarantine yourself, and see if it’s possible for another member of your immediate family to run essential errands.

4

Don’t get overwhelmed.

It’s easy to get caught up in the hype. Recognize that our response to this public health crisis is more likely to be a marathon than a sprint, and panicking will ultimately lead to prolonged stress and anxiety. Only pay attention to information that comes from trusted sources. 

5

Wear a mask.

The CDC has updated their recommendation regarding use of face masks. Especially in communities at high-risk for transmission, a non-infected individual wearing a face mask is now considered an acceptable way to prevent disease transmission. Cloth face coverings should be used in public places, like the grocery store, pharmacy, or gas station.