#AKADROLegacy

You can take steps to protect yourself and others during a COVID-19 outbreak.

​

• The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. Recent studies indicate that people who are infected but do not have symptoms likely also play a role in the spread of COVID-19.

• There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

• The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

How to Wear a Cloth Face Covering

​

Cloth face coverings should—

• fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face

• be secured with ties or ear loops

• include multiple layers of fabric

• allow for breathing without restriction

• be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

​

CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.  Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.

​

Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

​

The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators.  Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.

Wear disposable gloves to clean and disinfect.

​

Clean

​

• Clean surfaces using soap and water. Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces.

High touch surfaces include:

Tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.

​

Disinfect

​

• Clean the area or item with soap and water or another detergent if it is dirty. Then, use a household disinfectant.

• Recommend use of EPA-registered household disinfectantexternal icon.
  Follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product.
  Many products recommend:

  • Keeping surface wet for a period of time (see product label)

  • Precautions such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.

• Diluted household bleach solutions may also be used if appropriate for the surface.

  • Check the label to see if your bleach is intended for disinfection, and ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Some bleaches, such as those designed for safe use on colored clothing or for whitening may not be suitable for disinfection.

More details: Complete Disinfection Guidance

Laundry   

​

For clothing, towels, linens and other items

​

• Launder items according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.

• Wear disposable gloves when handling dirty laundry from a person who is sick.

• Dirty laundry from a person who is sick can be washed with other people’s items.

• Do not shake dirty laundry.

• Clean and disinfect clothes hampers according to guidance above for surfaces.

• Remove gloves, and wash hands right away.

Clean hands often

​

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.

  • Always wash immediately after removing gloves and after contact with a person who is sick.

• Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not readily available and hands are not visibly dirty, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. However, if hands are visibly dirty, always wash hands with soap and water.

• Additional key times to clean hands include:

  • After blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing

  • After using the restroom

  • Before eating or preparing food

  • After contact with animals or pets

  • Before and after providing routine care for another person who needs assistance (e.g. a child)

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

WHEN SOMEONE IS SICK

​

Bedroom and Bathroom

​

Keep separate bedroom and bathroom for a person who is sick (if possible)

​

• The person who is sick should stay separated from other people in the home (as much as possible).

• If you have a separate bedroom and bathroom: Only clean the area around the person who is sick when needed, such as when the area is soiled. This will help limit your contact with the person who is sick.

  • Caregivers can provide personal cleaning supplies to the person who is sick (if appropriate). Supplies include tissues, paper towels, cleaners, and EPA-registered disinfectantsexternal icon. If they feel up to it, the person who is sick can clean their own space.

• If shared bathroom: The person who is sick should clean and disinfect after each use. If this is not possible, the caregiver should wait as long as possible before cleaning and disinfecting.

• See precautions for household members and caregivers for more information.

Food

​

• Stay separated: The person who is sick should eat (or be fed) in their room if possible.

• Wash dishes and utensils using gloves and hot water: Handle any used dishes, cups/glasses, or silverware with gloves. Wash them with soap and hot water or in a dishwasher.

• Clean hands after taking off gloves or handling used items.

Trash

​

• Dedicated, lined trash can: If possible, dedicate a lined trash can for the person who is sick. Use gloves when removing garbage bags, and handling and disposing of trash. Wash hands afterwards.

Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. To practice social or physical distancing:

​

• Stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) from other people

• Do not gather in groups

• Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings

In addition to everyday steps to prevent COVID-19, keeping space between you and others is one of the best tools we have to avoid being exposed to this virus and slowing its spread locally and across the country and world.

​

When COVID-19 is spreading in your area, everyone should limit close contact with individuals outside your household in indoor and outdoor spaces. Since people can spread the virus before they know they are sick, it is important to stay away from others when possible, even if you have no symptoms. Social distancing is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.