---
title: "Instructions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding COVID-19"
date: 2020-03-26
author: "Eric Mann"
categories:
  - name: "Uncategorized"
    url: "/category/uncategorized.md"
---

# Instructions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding COVID-19

We at Red Flag Reporting hope that your loved-ones and you remain healthy and safe. With that in mind, here are practical, and important, instructions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding COVID-19:

*Know How it Spreads*

- 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.  
    • The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

- These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

*Take steps to protect yourself*

Clean your hands often

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.  
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.  
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

*Take steps to protect others*

Stay home if you’re sick

- Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.

Cover coughs and sneezes

  
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.  
• Throw used tissues in the trash.  
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Wear a facemask if you are sick

If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.  
• If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.

Clean and disinfect

• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, counter tops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

- If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

These simple actions can make a tremendously positive difference.