The impact of the COVID-19 virus has been felt across the globe. The virus is thought to be spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, and it is possible that this spread takes place even when the infected person is not showing signs of the disease**.

Since the virus spreads easily between people, trying to understand how best to protect yourself and the people you meet from the spread of COVID-19 can be overwhelming However, you can follow the CDC recommendations on actions which are believed to lower your chances of catching and spreading the virus based on current scientific knowledge*.

Tip 1: Wash your hands

It’s possible that by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then your face you could transmit the virus. The CDC recommends that you wash your hands regularly with soap and water and that you avoid touching your face with unwashed hands. When you’re out and about, you can use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Tip 2: Avoid standing too close to others

Since people without symptoms might be able to transmit the virus, and the COVID-19 Virus seems to spread more easily with longer and closer contact**, the CDC recommends that you keep a distance of at least 6 feet from anyone outside of your household, and 6 feet from anyone within your household that may be infected1.

Tip 3: Use a facemask

Even if you don’t feel sick there’s a chance that you could be infected and could pass the virus on to others. In order to protect the people around you, wear a mask whenever you’re out in public, which should catch the tiny droplets you emit when you talk or cough. Remember to cover your nose and mouth, a mask won’t protect anybody if it only covers your chin.

Facemasks are not substitutes for social distancing*, but are useful if you can’t maintain social distance, such as in the aisles of a supermarket. Where possible, continue to keep 6 feet away from others in public places.

Tip 4: Practice good hygiene when coughing and sneezing

Even if you don’t have COVID-19 it’s good hygiene to cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or to use the inside of your elbow if you don’t have one to hand. Throw away used tissues and immediately wash your hands or use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Tip 5: Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces

The CDC recommends disinfecting surfaces daily, including tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks phones, keyboard, toilets, faucets and sinks*. The EPA has approved several Lysol products for use with SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, on hard, non-porous surfaces, including Lysol® Disinfecting Wipes and Lysol® Disinfectant Spray.

Tip 6: Monitor Your Health Daily

Check that you aren’t developing a fever, cough, shortness of breath or other symptoms before leaving your home. If you’re sick you could be putting others at risk. If symptoms develop, monitor your temperature, but don't take it within 30 minutes of exercising or after taking medicines that lower it, such as acetaminophen. Follow CDC guidance on what to do if you think you may have COVID-19.