Minimizing the Spread
Social Distancing
Social Distancing Heading link
The biggest change that you can make to decrease the spread of COVID-19 and protect those most vulnerable to the virus is to social distance.
We know that coronavirus or COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets, which comes from when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Anyone in close contact with an infected individual is at risk of getting infected. Close contact means within 6 feet of another person.
What is it? Heading link
Social distancing means changing your daily habits to decrease close contact with others. This includes:
What is it? Heading link
- Wear a mask in public
- Avoiding greetings, such as handshaking and hugs
- Limiting contact with vulnerable populations
- Limiting time in public areas (grocery stores and parks)
Handwashing Heading link
Hand washing is important.
Respiratory viruses like COVID-19 spread when mucus or respiratory droplets containing the virus get into the body through the eyes, nose, throat, or a cut in the skin. The virus is easily spread from one person to the next with uncleaned hands.
Here’s how to do it right.
Hand washing video Heading link
Steps Heading link
- Step 1: Wet your hands with running water
- Step 2: Apply soap to cover all of your wet hands
- Step 3: Scrub all surfaces of the hands – including back of hands, between fingers and under nails – for at least 20 seconds.
- Step 4: Rinse thoroughly with running water
- Step 5: Dry hands with a clean cloth or single-use towel
- Step 6: Shut the running water off with a towel or cloth
COVID-19 Vaccines Heading link
As the COVID-19 vaccine becomes more and more available across the country, it is important to follow your local health department’s recommendations on when you may qualify to get your vaccine. Although the COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective, it is important to continue following local health guidelines and continue to social distance. The vaccine has been shown to be effective in preventing infection of COVID-19 in most people. Even if you do become infected with COVID-19, the vaccine may help you from getting seriously sick with COVID-19. The CDC keeps up to date information on the progress of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Learn more on CDC Website
Why Get Vaccinated? Heading link
Getting vaccinated helps stop the spread of COVID-19 and may prevent COVID-19 related deaths. Getting back to normal involves doing your part:
- Wear a mask correctly
- Wash your hands frequently
- Avoid crowds and gatherings and maintain social distancing
- Get vaccinated when it’s your turn
Why get Vaccinated? Heading link
After getting vaccinated, our body’s immune system is quick to recognize the viral material as a foreign substance and mount an immune response. Getting vaccinated helps stop the spread of COVID-19 and may prevent COVID-19 related deaths. You may expect to feel mild side effects such as injection site soreness and mild chills. Extensive clinical trial research has been completed to ensure the safety of the available COVID-19 vaccines in the US.