What can you do to stay safe?

  • Wash your hands frequently(2)
    • regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water (for 20 seconds). Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands. This is a link to advise on safe handwashing.
  • Maintain social distancing
    • maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and others, especially anyone who is coughing or sneezing (note, exact distance specified for social separation vary between countries). When someone coughs or sneezes, they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

Remember, you will likely have a far higher risk of contacting an infected person while in regular community activity such as shopping or having a coffee. You should avoid such situations where you can, and when you cannot, wear a cloth mask and hand sanitise after each interaction.

  • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
    • Hands touch many surfaces and surface to hand transfer can spread the virus. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
  • Practice respiratory hygiene
    • Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. If using tissues, you should dispose of the used tissue immediately and wash your hands. By following good respiratory hygiene, you protect the people around you from all viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
  • If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
    • Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority. National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the appropriate health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.