Stay Safe DHS: How to protect yourself from COVID-19

Kaitlyn daSilva|March 18, 2020

Kaitlyn daSilva

Good luck finding hand sanitizer. It is sold out everywhere.

Refer to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for ongoing updates on information.

How to Prevent Contracting the Coronavirus:

  1. Clean your hands frequently
    • Wash your hands with soap for about 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer to maintain healthy hygiene. For hand sanitizer to be effective it has to contain 60% alcohol.
  2. Social Distancing
    • The coronavirus spreads easily and to avoid catching COVID-19 you need to keep away from potentially contagious people
    • Keep away from large groups of people as much as possible
    • Outdoor activities are still encouraged as long as the activity doesn’t require over 20 people
  3. Refrain from touching your face
    • COVID-19 can be transmitted through saliva or mucus that passes through a cough or sneeze. In some cases, talking to a contagious person less than six feet away means you have a chance of contracting the virus.
  4. Stay healthy
    • Ensure that you’re getting enough sleep. Just like any other virus, the best way to avoid catching it is to eat healthy foods and drink lots of water.

What to Do if You Have the Coronavirus:

Kaitlyn daSilva
Keep your face covered if you are infected.
  1. Call the doctor
    • If you have the virus or symptoms of the virus, then seek medical care as soon as possible or call a doctor for more advice.
  2. Isolate yourself from all contact with other people
    • To avoid spreading the virus, stay away from public areas such as restaurants and public transportation. 
    • If you have the virus, avoid going to work or school.
  3. Wear a facemask 
    • By covering your mouth with a facemask or a certain material it will help with the amount of germs you can spread when you cough or speak.
  4. Wash your hands
    • Even though you already have been exposed to the virus and have it, it is best to continue to wash your hands and take care of your body regularly
  5. Clean areas you’ve touched
    • While you are isolating yourself from others that could contract the virus, make sure to clean surfaces you have touched. 
    • The virus can live for up to 24 hours on surfaces.
  6. Keep an eye on your symptoms
    • If your symptoms have increased or you have trouble breathing then call the doctor or 911 immediately.