User:Frinz Mylz D. Leuterio/sandbox

You likely can’t escape news about coronavirus (COVID-19), and it may be making you worried. As the virus is confirmed in more places across the globe, you might be wondering what will happen when it comes to your community. Although a pandemic is scary, try to remember that you likely don’t need to worry about coronavirus if your area doesn’t have any confirmed cases. However, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) do recommend that everyone take basic steps to prepare for coronavirus so fewer people get sick.

Preventing the Virus from Spreading 1 Get vaccinated. If a vaccine is available to you, get vaccinated. Several different vaccines have been approved for emergency use in the US and around the world. Whether you are eligible to receive the vaccine depends on the specific regulations in your area and if there are local supplies available, but generally healthcare workers, residents of long term care facilities, essential workers and people with medical conditions that put them at higher risk will receive the vaccine first. 2 Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water. It’s so simple, but washing your hands is the best way to protect yourself from getting sick. Wet your hands under warm running water, then apply a mild soap to your palm. Rub your hands together for 20 seconds, then rinse the soap away under warm running water. 3  Practice physical distancing by staying home as much as possible. The virus spreads more easily in groups, especially crowds. Fortunately, you can help protect yourself and others by just staying home. Only go out when it's necessary, like when you need to go grocery shopping. Otherwise, enjoy your time at home.[7] 4 Stay at least 6 ft (1.8 m) away from other people when in public. You may need to go out in public for things like grocery shopping. Try to maintain space between yourself and other community members just in case any of you are sick. It's possible to spread COVID-19 before symptoms start, so play it safe by staying away. 5 Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth. Typically, the coronavirus infects you when you either inhale droplets from an infected person’s sneeze or cough or touch your face with droplets on your hands. Don’t touch your face unless you’ve just washed your hands. Otherwise, you may accidentally introduce germs into your body. 6 Avoid shaking hands with other people, whether they appear sick or not. Unfortunately, people who are infected with coronavirus can spread the illness even if they aren’t showing symptoms. To be safe, don’t shake hands with anyone until the coronavirus threat is over. Instead, politely decline a handshake and explain that you’re trying to prevent coronavirus. 7 Distance yourself from people who are coughing and sneezing. While they probably don’t have coronavirus, it’s best to play it safe if you notice someone showing symptoms of a respiratory infection. Quietly and respectfully move away from anyone who appears to be coughing and sneezing. 8 Disinfect surfaces before you touch them, both in public and at home. The CDC recommends keeping your home, workspace, and public areas as clean as possible. Spray a disinfectant over hard surfaces or wipe them down with a sanitary wipe. Whenever possible, spray soft surfaces with an appropriate disinfectant spray. 9 Wear a cloth face-covering in public. They filter out the particles you breathe out and reduce the chances of spreading the virus to others. Covering your nose and mouth is especially important when physical distancing of 6 ft (1.8 m) is difficult or impossible to maintain. Be sure to wash cloth face-coverings before using them again.