Basic protective measures against the new coronavirus
Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website
and through your national and local public health authority. COVID-19 is still affecting mostly
people in China with some outbreaks in other countries. Most people who become infected
experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others. Take care of your
health and protect others by doing the following:
Wash your hands frequently
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them
with soap and water.
Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills
viruses that may be on your hands.
Maintain social distancing
Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing
or sneezing.
Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose
or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets,
including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
Practice respiratory hygiene
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can
transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and
can make you sick.
Practice respiratory hygiene
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means
covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people
around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical
attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation
in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to
the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and
other infections.
Protection measures for persons who are in or have
Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider
Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your
healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how
to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether
COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your
area should be doing to protect themselves.
Protection measures for persons who are in or have
recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19
is spreading
- Follow the guidance outlined above.
- Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and
- slight runny nose, until you recover. Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to
- medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you
- and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.
- If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this
- may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell
- your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers. Why? Calling in advance will
- allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will
- also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.
