To prevent the spread of COVID-19, practice frequent hand hygiene, cover your coughs and sneezes, clean high-touch surfaces daily, wear a mask in public settings, maintain social distancing, stay home if sick, and get vaccinated when eligible.
Most Effective Disinfection Measures for Preventing the Spread of COVID-19
Hand Hygiene
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not readily available.
Respiratory Hygiene
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your bent elbow when you cough or sneeze.
- Dispose of used tissues immediately and wash your hands.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
- Clean high-touch surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- Use disinfectants appropriately. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Wear a mask in public settings, especially when social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
- Wear gloves if you are in close contact with someone who is sick.
Social Distancing
- Maintain at least 6 feet distance between yourself and others to reduce your risk of contracting or spreading the virus.
- Avoid large gatherings and crowded places.
Stay Home if Sick
- Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
- Separate yourself from other people in your home as much as possible.
Get Vaccinated
- Get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as you are eligible.
- Continue to follow all prevention measures even after getting vaccinated.