Protecting Seniors From Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Practice Social Distancing:

• If you have to go out for essential things like grocery shopping or medical care, stay at least 6 feet away from others.

• Avoid public spaces, public activities, and group gatherings with 10 or more people.

• Do not take public transportation such as buses, trains, taxis, or ride-shares, if possible.

Wash Your Hands Frequently to Limit the Spread of Germs:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%–95% alcohol. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty.

• Clean your hands often, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

Wear Mask or Cloth Face Covers in the Community:

• The most important way to protect others and yourself from getting COVID-19 is by staying home and practicing social distancing when you have to go out.

• The CDC has recommended that people wear cloth face coverings when they are in public places such as the grocery store where they will be around other people and it may be difficult to keep distance.

• Face coverings are not needed for going outside by yourself to take a walk or work in your garden, etc.

Clean and Disinfect Frequently Touched Surfaces:

• Frequently touched surfaces include: phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, cabinet handles, etc.

• Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.

• Other options are to use diluted household bleach solutions if appropriate for the surface by mixing 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water, or simply use soap and water or an alcohol solution with at least 70% alcohol. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.

Know the Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19:

• The virus is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Therefore, it spreads between people who are in close contact with one another (about 6 feet) or by touching a surface or object where respiratory droplets have landed. Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

• People with COVID-19 usually have mild to severe respiratory illness. These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus:

o Fever

o Cough

o Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

o Chills

o Repeated shaking with chills

o Muscle pain

o Headache

o Sore throat

o New loss of taste or smell

• Not everyone with COVID-19 will have all symptoms and fever might not be present.

• If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19, get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs may include: trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, bluish lips or face.

• If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the operator that you have or might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a facemask before medical help arrives.

Avoid Contact With People Who Are Sick:

• If you are caring for someone at home who is sick, have the person stay in one room, away from other people and pets, as much as possible.

• Talk with your family about COVID-19. Fear and anxiety about a disease are overwhelming and cause strong emotions in both children and adults.