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Understanding how the virus spreads is an important part of protecting yourself from COVID-19.

Coronavirus transmission can happen in a variety of ways. Follow these steps to protect yourself and others against the spread of coronavirus:

Get the Vaccine and Booster Shot

The most important way you can protect yourself from the virus, as well as others, is to get the COVID-19 vaccine and a booster shot. The CDC lists detailed information about the COVID-19 vaccines.

Wash Your Hands

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 hand sanitizer.

Learn how to wash your hands properly.

Keep distance from others

Avoid Contact

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Practice social distancing (putting space between yourself and others) with all, especially if you are at higher risk or are not vaccinated.
Wear a facemask if you're sick or around those who are sick

Wear Masks

  • The CDC recommends that people who are not vaccinated wear a mask in public.
  • If you are sick or have symptoms of the coronavirus, wear a mask around other people. 
  • When you find it difficult to maintain at least six feet of distance from people you don't live with it's important to have your mask on, if you are not vaccinated. 

You should always have your mask on hand when you leave your home. Learn more about mask myths. 

Cover your face while coughing

Cover Your Mouth and Nose

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or use the inside of your elbow. Throw your tissue away immediately.

Also, avoid touching your face or the front of your mask.

Clean surfaces

Clean and Disinfect

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. 

Do not share objects: Coronavirus spreads primarily from person-to-person, but there is also a chance that you could get infected from contaminated surfaces.

Stay inside and isolate

If You Are Sick

Stay home. Do not leave your home except for medical care, if you have coronavirus symptoms.

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, (e.g., 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 more about how to treat coronavirus at home.

Updated 12/22/2021

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