COVID-19 once again broke its own records this week, probably part of the sudden post-holiday increase that experts have been warning for months. According The New York Times, the national case rate has increased by 40% in the past two weeks, with the death rate rising by 29% in the same period. In other words, it’s not the time to slow down your protective measures, which really are the only line of defense between you and the virus until you get vaccinated. For this reason, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have put together a simple seven-point checklist of daily preventive actions you can take to minimize the risk of transmission. Read on to find out what they are and for more risk factors, check the CDC just confirmed that this disorder can put you at risk for severe COVID.
We know that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is transmitted by respiratory droplets that can spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks or even exhales. In some cases, the virus is also transmitted by transmission by contact, that is, by a recently contaminated surface or by direct physical contact with the infected individual (think of a handshake or kiss). Experts also warned that the virus could remain in the air as aerosolized particles in poorly ventilated spaces.
The key in any set of circumstances is to minimize contact with the viral particles. Read on for the CDC’s essential checklist of easy-to-remember and easy-to-follow measures that can literally save your life. And to learn more about how to prevent it from spreading, see This type of face mask is not protecting you from COVID, WHO warns.
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1
Wash your hands frequently.
Washing your hands frequently is essential for several reasons. First, it minimizes the chances of you touching viral particles and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth with contaminated hands. Second, it becomes less likely that you will pass the virus if you happen to be sick with an asymptomatic case.
The CDC recommends scrubbing with soap for at least 20 seconds, drying with a clean towel and applying disinfectant with at least 60 percent alcohol.
two
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with dirty hands.
There will inevitably be times when you will not be able to stop to wash your hands, which is why it is so important to break the habit of touching your eyes, nose or mouth. This will not only decrease your chances of getting COVID, but it will also reduce your chances of getting flu, a cold and any other illness this winter. And for more advice from COVID experts, see The FDA has just issued an alert on this COVID measure.
3
Stand at least two meters away from the others.
The CDC says that staying two meters away from the others – about two arms – will help stop the spread of the virus, even in asymptomatic cases.
Also, in case you Does To catch COVID from six feet away from an infected person, the researchers say you can benefit from a lower viral load than if you caught it by closer contact. As a study published in the medical journal BMJ he explains, “a patient’s initial exposure to a lower inoculum results in fewer symptoms and shorter symptoms, as well as less likelihood of viral spread.”
4
Stay home when you’re sick.
This is obvious: if you are sick, do not take the risk of passing your disease on to others.
While most people prefer to quarantine the more traditional symptoms of COVID, such as cough, fever or shortness of breath, experts caution that the same precautions should be taken in the face of a much wider range of symptoms. This includes gastrointestinal problems, olfactory dysfunction, fatigue, malaise and more. And to see some of the first symptoms to watch for, take a look at this strange symptom could be the first sign that you have had COVID, says the study.
5
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue.
Limiting the distance your own viral particles can travel is the key to containing our current increase. Keep handkerchiefs handy, throw them in the trash when you’re done, and be sure to wash your hands. And for more regular coronavirus updates, sign up for our daily newsletter.
6
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Keeping your home and personal belongings clean can prevent you from catching or spreading the virus across contaminated surfaces. The CDC recommends washing surfaces with soap first to remove any dirt or soot that might trap germs underneath, then disinfect with any product on its cleaning fluid list that is effective in killing COVID.
7
Wear a mask when going out in public.
Wearing a mask is one of the easiest and most important things you can do to stop the coronavirus from spreading and stay protected. Choose one that has multiple layers, breathable material and a comfortable fit to keep dangerous particles away from your nose and mouth.
The CDC notes that children under two years of age, those who have difficulty breathing and those who are “unconscious, incapacitated or unable to remove the mask without assistance” should not wear the mask. All others must be masked in public. And for more information on the proper mask protocol, see The CDC has issued a warning against these 4 facial covers.