Life with Covid-19

How can I protect myself from the coronavirus as cities and states start to reopen?

Until a safe, effective coronavirus vaccine is available, there will continue to be a risk of infection, even as people get back to work, school and a more normal life.

The protective practices you learned and followed in March and April of 2020 can continue to protect you and your family while slowing the spread of the coronavirus:

• Social and physical distancing. Staying at least 6 feet away from anyone not living in your household can help you prevent infection.

• Handwashing. Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds frequently throughout the day, or using hand sanitizer, is an effective way to avoid getting sick with the coronavirus or other germs.

• Wearing a face mask protects others from illness if you’re carrying the virus and don’t know it.

Practice safe grocery shopping and food handling.

• Continue to practice mindfulness and stress relief, as you did during stay-at-home orders. Mental and emotional well-being is a key aspect of health.

Staying informed about coronavirus can also help you:

• Know what to do if you think you have the coronavirus: whom to call, where to go.

• Understand what to expect if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19.

• Look out for signs of the coronavirus in babies and kids. Although the majority of children who contract COVID-19 have mild symptoms, a small percentage of patients under age 18 have experienced severe disease, including a rare inflammatory condition.

• Understand who’s more at risk. Older people and those living with heart disease, diabetes and other chronic illnesses have a greater chance of dying from COVID-19.