What You Need To Know About COVID-19

Information On COVID-19 Prevention, Symptoms, And What To Do If You're Sick

What You Need To Know

• Washing your hands frequently is the number one way to stop the spread of this virus. Do so for 20 seconds using hot water, rinse, and dry with a clean towel, especially when you come in from outside.
• Hand sanitizer works, but washing your hands is more effective and should be your first option when available. If you use hand sanitizer, make sure it has at least 60% alcohol content, that you use enough to wet both your hands completely, and that you rub it in until your hands are dry.
• Minimize contact with your mouth, nose, and eyes.
• Frequently clean and disinfect surfaces touched by others.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you are not feeling well. If you have symptoms that you think may be COVID-19, call your doctor and ask for advice.
• It's always a good idea to keep an extra supply of prescription medicines and contact lenses on hand.
• Get plenty of sleep, eat balanced and nutritious meals, and drink lots of water to stay healthy.
• Staying informed is important -- but so is turning off the news, going for a walk, and taking care of yourself.
• Hoarding food or panic buying at the grocery store serves no purpose and is completely unnecessary. There is no shortage of food and shelves are being quickly restocked. 
• Now is not that time to go out with friends or throw a party. Governor Baker has declared a state of emergency and prohibited people from gathering in groups larger than 25. 
• Don't stop buying from local stores just because of this emergency. Buy a gift card for later use, pay for an upcoming appointment now, and order take out or delivery if you can.
• If you are symptomatic, do not go outside and do not interact with anyone, especially with the elderly or anyone with a preexisting condition or a weakened immune system.
• Even if you are healthy and do not have symptoms, you may be carrying COVID-19 without knowing it. Now is not the time to visit nursing homes, hospitals, or senior centers.

What To Do If You Get Sick

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified the following symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19):

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after being exposed to the virus. If you are sick, here are some helpful tips to prevent spreading the illness:

	Stay home except for medical care
	Separate yourself from people and animals at home
	Call ahead before visiting your doctor
	Wear a facemask in public spaces
	Cover your coughs and sneezes
	Clean your hands often
	Avoid sharing personal items
	Clean and disinfect surfaces
	Monitor your symptoms