SACRAMENTO, Calif. — While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] and Sacramento County health officials still say the risk of contracting the coronavirus [COVID-19] is still low, that doesn't mean one should not be prepared.
The CDC and medical professionals have tips that can help people prevent the spread of most viruses, including coronavirus.
Wash your hands
Like with all illnesses, it is important to remember to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, the CDC recommends.
The CDC's website says if people cannot wash their hands, then people can, and should, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that has 60% to 95% alcohol. Make sure to keep rubbing your hands until they are dry.
Also, the CDC recommends avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Don't wear a mask
Unless you are sick, doctors do not suggest wearing a mask. Masks should be worn by people who are ill and medical professionals.
Dr. Dean Blumberg with UC Davis Health said people "have to wear them almost constantly," if they want to prevent contracting a virus.
It is better to wear a mask if you are sick already and are trying to prevent spreading your illness to others, according to the CDC.
Stay home if feeling sick
The CDC recommends people stay home if they are feeling sick.
"Do not go to work, school, or public areas," the CDC says on their website. "Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis."
If you have other people or animals in your home, the CDC suggests isolating yourself away from them and using separate bathrooms, if possible. Should a person need to care for their pet, the CDC recommends washing hands, limiting contact with the pet and wearing a mask.
Clean commonly used surfaces
Surfaces and items that are touched often should be cleaned frequently according to the CDC.
Some of the things that should be cleaned include:
- counters
- tabletops
- doorknobs
- bathroom fixtures
- toilets
- phones and cell phones
- keyboards
- tablets
- bedside tables
Common household cleaning sprays or wipes, used in accordance with the label's instruction, should be safe and effective for cleaning the home and the items in it according to the CDC.
FOR NEWS IN YOUR COMMUNITY, DOWNLOAD THE ABC10 APP:
►Stay In the Know! Sign up now for ABC10's Daily Blend Newsletter
WATCH ALSO:
A Sacramento woman was hospitalized in 2019 after the Ponds cream she used was tainted with methylmercury. ABC10 bought several skin creams from local flea markets, a grocery store and online, that were sent to a state lab for testing. Here's what we found.