Protecting yourself and others from the spread COVID-19
You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some
simple precautions:
- Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or
wash them with soap and water.
Why?
Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based
hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
- Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and others.
Why?
When someone coughs, sneezes, or speaks they spray small liquid droplets from
their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can
breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person has the
disease.
- Avoid going to crowded places.
Why?
Where people come together in crowds,
you are more likely to come into close contact with someone that has COIVD-19
and it is more difficult to maintain physical distance of 1 metre (3 feet).
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
Why?
Hands touch many surfaces and
can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your
eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and infect you.
- Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This
means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you
cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately and wash your
hands.
Why?
Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene, you
protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
- Stay home and self-isolate even with minor symptoms such as cough, headache,
mild fever, until you recover. Have someone bring you supplies. If you need to
leave your house, wear a mask to avoid infecting others.
Why?
Avoiding contact
with others will protect them from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.
- If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention, but
call by telephone in advance if possible and follow the directions of your local
health authority.
Why?
National and local authorities will have the most up to
date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your
health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also
protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
- Keep up to date on the latest information from trusted sources, such as WHO or
your local and national health authorities.
Why?
Local and national authorities
are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect
themselves.
