With more cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) reported daily across in the state, nation and world, the need is even more important for people to follow Texas Department of State Health Services tips to help CDC recommends these tips to help prevent the spread Of COVID-19 or any virus, according to local and state health officials.
COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person to person: between people who are in close contact, within 6 feet, of one another; and via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest). Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Thus, the CDC and DSHS offer these tips to help prevent the spread of COVID‑19:
- Wash hands often for 20 seconds and encourage others to do the same.
- If no soap and water are available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue away.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Disinfect surfaces, buttons, handles, knobs, and other places touched often.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
DSHS also recommends that you start practicing social distancing. Social distancing involves staying away from other people to avoid catching or spreading illness. It’s a fancy term for avoiding crowds and minimizing physical contact. This could mean avoiding concerts or weddings, skipping the handshake, and/or staying at least 6 feet away from others.
