What should I do if there is an outbreak in my community?

During an outbreak, stay calm and put your preparedness plan to work. Follow the steps below:

Protect yourself and others.

  • Stay home if you are sick. Keep away from people who are sick. Limit close contact with others as much as possible (about 6 feet).

Put your household plan into action.

  • Continue practicing everyday preventive actions. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains 60% alcohol. Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily using a regular household detergent and water.
  • Stay in touch with others by phone or email. If you have a chronic medical condition and live alone, ask family, friends, and health care providers to check on you during an outbreak. Stay in touch with family and friends, especially those at increased risk of developing severe illness, such as older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions.
  • Stay informed about the local COVID-19 situation. Be aware of temporary childcare closures, as this may affect your household’s daily routine.
  • Notify your workplace as soon as possible if your regular work schedule changes. Ask to work from home or take leave if you or someone in your household gets sick with COVID-19 symptomsLearn how businesses and employers can plan for and respond to COVID-19.

Show All Answers

1. What should I do if there is an outbreak in my community?
2. What should I do if someone in my house gets sick with COVID-19?
3. How can my family and I prepare for COVID-19?
4. How can I prepare for COVID-19 at work?
5. Should I use soap and water or a hand sanitizer to protect against COVID-19? What cleaning products are best?
6. How do I prepare my children in case of a COVID-19 outbreak in our community?
7. What steps should parents take to protect children?
8. Should I continue to go to work if there is an outbreak in my community?