Coronavirus Prevention:

There is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. 

• Stay home. If you must go out, stay at least 6 feet away from any other person. Avoid crowds of 10 people or more, or any situation where you are within 6 feet of another person.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when you go out into public and social distancing cannot be achieved at all times, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities. You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick. Click here for how to make and how to use a cloth face covering.
  • Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under the age of 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. 
  • Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others when possible. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing. 
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use a 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 face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick. 
  • Put distance between yourself and other people. Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw it away. Immediately wash your hands. 
• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, counter tops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
  • If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

Stay home if you are sick, and refer to what to do if you are sick or think you may be sick.

Prevention for those at Higher Risk of Severe Complications from COVID-19:

Based on currently available information and clinical expertise, older adults (65 years or older) and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, including:

• Chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
• Serious heart conditions
• Conditions that can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications.
• Severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 40 or higher)
• Diabetes
• Chronic kidney disease and who are undergoing dialysis
• Liver disease

 Here are extra prevention measures to take for those who fall within this group:

• Stay home. 
• If you must go out, keep at least 6 feet between yourself and others, and avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places (door handles, handrails, etc.)
• Have supplies on hand including: 
  • Household items, groceries, and medications.
  • Over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms. 
• Consider using mail-order for medications.
• Wash your hands often. Wear a cloth face covering. Avoid touching your face. Cough or sneeze into a tissue, and the throw it away and wash your hands. Clean and disinfect your home often.  Do not travel. Avoid crowds.