Staying Safe in Public: 5 COVID-19 Tips You Can't Miss

There are things we can all do to help contain the spread of COVID-19. If you plan on leaving your house, be sure to take these five essential pieces of advice with you.

1. Wear a Mask

Many cases of the virus caused by COVID-19 are asymptomatic, so wearing a mask in public can prevent the spread of disease.

2. Wash Your Hands

The virus spreads when it enters mucous membranes, such as those found in your nose, mouth, and eyes. Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face to prevent infection. If you can’t wash your hands, use hand sanitizer; be sure to rub it into your hands for at least 20 seconds and scrub your fingers, palms, and the backs of your hands.

3. Avoid Cash

Cash passes hands from person to person and can harbor COVID-19 germs. If possible, use credit cards or digital payment methods when shopping to avoid touching money and potentially coming into contact with the virus.

4. Disinfect Surfaces

If you need to go out, be sure to disinfect items when you arrive home. Clean any high-traffic surfaces, like your phone, and any new purchases. Check out our guide to disinfecting items with cleaners or time.

5. Follow the Six-Foot Rule

When someone laughs, coughs, sneezes, or speaks, they are unintentionally sending droplets of saliva through the air, which can lead to the spread of COVID-19. In general, this spray can’t travel farther than six feet. When going out in public, maintain a distance of at least six feet from other people to avoid breathing in infected droplets.

If at any time you begin to notice symptoms of the virus caused by COVID-19, including fever, a dry cough, or a sore throat, contact your primary care physician at St. Joseph Health for details on next steps. They can determine the cause of your symptoms and help you on the path to recovery.