Protect yourself and others from COVID-19

• Maintain at least a 1-metre distance between yourself and others to reduce your risk of infection when they cough, sneeze or speak. Maintain an even greater distance between yourself and others when indoors.The further away, the better.
• Make wearing a mask a normal part of being around other people.

  How can I protect myself from COVID-19 if it spreads in my community?

  If COVID-19 is spreading in your community, stay safe by taking some simple precautions, such as physical distancing, wearing a mask, keeping rooms well ventilated, avoiding crowds, cleaning your hands, and coughing into a bent elbow or tissue. Check local advice where you live and work. Do it all!

  How long does COVID-19 last on surfaces?

  On some surfaces, including cotton fabric and copper, the virus usually dies after a few hours..

  Why is the risk of getting COVID-19 higher in crowded spaces?

  The risks of getting COVID-19 are higher in crowded and inadequately ventilated spaces where infected people spend long periods of time together in close proximity. These environments are where the virus appears to spread by respiratory droplets or aerosols more efficiently, so taking precautions is even more important.

  How can I reduce the risk of getting COVID-19?

  • washing your hands frequently (for at least 20 seconds) with soap and water or a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.• avoiding touching your face (particularly your eyes, nose, and mouth).• staying home as much as possible, even if you don’t feel sick.• avoiding crowds and gatherings of 10 or more people.• avoiding all non-essential shopping and travel.• keeping 6 feet of distance between yourself and others when out.• getting plenty of sleep, which helps support your immune system.• following all recommendations from health authorities.

  What is community transmission of COVID-19?

  Community transmission is evidenced by the inability to relate confirmed cases through chains of transmission for a large number of cases, or by increasing positive tests through sentinel samples (routine systematic testing of respiratory samples from established laboratories).