While there are many things that we still don’t know about COVID-19, there are a few pieces of advice that have been proven to help reduce and prevent the spread of coronavirus. Adding these simple steps to your daily routine can have a big impact on how COVID-19 spreads in your social circle and our community.

Social Distance

Staying at least six feet away from anyone who you do not live with while in public helps reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other germs. The main way that the virus spreads is through person-to-person contact, especially if you are near another person for a long period of time or if they cough or sneeze near you. Keeping your circle as small as possible disrupts the spread of germs and helps to keep you and the people around you healthy.

Wear a Mask

Wearing a face covering while in public reduces the distance that airborne virus particles can travel. Even if you aren’t experiencing any coronavirus symptoms, wearing a mask prevents asymptomatic carriers from spreading COVID-19. Face masks are great for times when you can’t always maintain six feet of distance from others, like when you are walking down a crowded grocery store aisle. Face masks should securely cover both the nose and mouth, and should be regularly washed.

Wash Your Hands

Washing your hands after running errands or being out in public is the best way to remove any virus particles that may have attached themselves to your hands. You should always aim to wash your hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds, making sure the soap comes in contact with every part of the hand. If you can’t get to a sink, using a travel-size hand sanitizer that contains at least 70% isopropyl alcohol is an excellent alternative.

Reduce Your Number of Trips

There are times when it is essential to leave your home and make trips to work or the grocery store. Even when you are practicing social distancing and wearing a mask, cutting down the number of times you leave your home is still an important factor in reducing the spread of COVID-19. Ordering things online or buying things in bulk can help reduce the amount of time you spend at the store and the number of times that you have to go out.