What can you do to protect yourself from the new coronavirus?

Follow the tips below to help protect yourself and others from a SARS-CoV-2 infection:

• Wash your hands. Be sure to wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water. If this isn’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that has at least 60 percent alcoholTrusted Source.
• Avoid touching your face. Touching your face or mouth if you haven’t washed your hands can transfer the virus to these areas and potentially make you sick.
• Maintain distance. Avoid close contact with people who are ill. If you’re around someone who is coughing or sneezing, try to stay at least 6 feet away.
• Don’t share personal items. Sharing items like eating utensils and drinking glasses can potentially spread the virus.
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Try to cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow or into a tissue. Be sure to promptly dispose of any used tissues.
• Stay home if you’re sick. If you’re already ill, plan to stay at home until you recover.
• Clean surfaces. Use household cleaning sprays or wipes to clean high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, keyboards, and countertops.
• Keep yourself informed. The CDC continually updates informationTrusted Source as it becomes available, and the WHO publishes daily situation reportsTrusted Source.