How to Protect Yourself & Others

Until the COVID-19 vaccines are widely available, the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus. The simple everyday actions you can take to help prevent the spread of flu and other illnesses can help prevent the spread of coronaviruses. Here's how:

Stay home. Save lives. Slow the spread of COVID-19.

• Social Distancing - What You Need to Know
  
• Self Monitoring, Quarantine & Isolation Guidance
  
• CDC Daily Life & Coping
  
• CDC Information & Guidance
  

Wash Your Hands

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, and help young children do the same. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Best Practice: Hand Washing Steps

Cover Your Cough/Sneeze

Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough/sneeze in your upper sleeve. Immediately throw away used tissues in the trash, then wash hands.

Best Practice: Stop the Spread of Germs
Best Practice: Cover Your Cough (Spanish, Chinese, Arabic)

Keep Surfaces and Utensils Clean

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs. Avoid close contact, sharing cups, or sharing eating utensils.

Best Practice: Cleaning & Disinfecting Hard Surfaces

Practice Good, Healthy Habits

Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Be Prepared with the Following Supplies:

Certain people are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19 including:

• Older Adults
• People of any age with serious chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, and people with compromised immune systems.
  

People at high risk for COVID-19 should pay attention for symptoms including fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you feel you are developing symptoms, or have other symptoms that are severe or concerning, contact your medical provider.

• Practice social distancing to keep you and your community safe. Maintain at least a 6-foot distance between yourself and others, even people who appear to be healthy.
  
• Avoid in person visits with your grandchildren. Young children can have the virus and show few or no symptoms and can pass it onto you. Connect with them through phone calls, FaceTime or Skype.
  
• Stay in touch with others by phone or email. You may need to ask for help from friends, family, neighbors, or community health workers if you become sick.
  
• Determine who can care for you if your caregiver gets sick.
  

Resources

• Protecting Older Adults
  
• Cancer and COVID-19
  
• Living with HIV or AIDS during the Pandemic
  
• Living with Disabilities During COVID-19
  

For the most up to date travel information related to COVID-19 visit the CDC Travel page.

• If you have traveled from an affected area, there may be restrictions on your movements for up to 2 weeks.
• If you develop symptoms during that period (fever, cough, trouble breathing), seek medical advice. Call the office of your health care provider before you go, and tell them about your travel and your symptoms. They will give you instructions on how to get care without exposing other people to your illness.

Learn More

Oakland County Travel Guidance