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Reviewed 12/23/2020
Do's & don'ts of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
COVID-19 is making news around the world. Every day brings new details about the number of people infected and where the virus is spreading.
Although information about COVID-19 is changing rapidly, some basic do's and don'ts about the virus remain the same.
DO:
- Know the symptoms. COVID-19 symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Visit the CDC website for a full list of COVID-19 symptoms.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or use the inside of your elbow. Throw tissues in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily, including tables, doorknobs, countertops, desks, phones and keyboards.
- Call your health care provider if you have symptoms. Let them know you may have the virus.
- Wear a cloth face mask in public.
DON'T:
- Touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Spend time with people who are sick.
- Go out in public if you're sick unless it's to get medical care.
- Share household items, like dishes, drinking glasses, eating utensils, towels or bedding, with other people if you're sick.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updates its information about COVID-19 daily.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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