In anticipation of shelter-in-place orders being lifted, it is more important than ever to keep yourself and others from becoming infected with coronavirus. As many people already know, coronavirus is mainly spread from direct person-to-person contact. Knowing how COVID-19 spreads is the most important step in understanding how to protect yourself and others from becoming sick. However, there are rules you can follow to keep yourself and others healthy.

Most Americans have a general understanding of the preemptive steps they should take to remain safe, however, there are some additional precautions that you might not be familiar with. Below you will find the 5 rules everyone should take to reduce the risk of becoming infected.

Wash Your Hands

Wash your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds after being in a public place or after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. Additionally, the CDC recommends using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer as an alternative if soap and water is not available. Make sure the hand sanitizer contains a minimum of 60% alcohol.

Avoid Close Contact

Avoid coming into direct contact with people who are sick. Maintain social distancing when you are out in a public place – stay at least 6 feet or 2 meters away from other people, do not gather in large groups or crowds and keep your distance from those who are immunocompromised or who have a greater risk of getting sick. Additionally, the CDC and WHO recommend installing a physical barrier like SeparationScreen.

Use a Protective Face Covering When Around Others

You are able to spread coronavirus even if you have no symptoms and do not feel sick yet. As many counties and states are mandating, you should always wear a protective face covering when out in public. There are a variety of available face masks such as Washable Cloth Masks, 3-Ply Procedure Masks and KN95 Masks.

Cover Your Face When You Cough or Sneeze 

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness meaning it is transmitted through infected droplets created when a person coughs or sneezes. By covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze you are preventing potential germs from being spread throughout the air and possibly infecting another person. Make sure you cover your mouth with either your elbow or a tissue, and then wash or sanitize your hands afterwards.

Disinfect and Clean Everything

Make sure you disinfect and clean commonly touched surfaces such as doorknobs, your cellphone, light switches, faucets, desks, sinks, your car, countertops and tables. Coronavirus can still be contracted through contaminated inanimate objects. Make sure you clean off these surfaces with soap and water if you can see dirt or debris, then follow up with a disinfectant cleaner like Wex-Cide Germicidal Disinfectant Cleaner.

Following these 5 simple rules are an essential part in your attempt to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19.