1. Wash your hands frequently
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Why? We frequently use our hands to touch objects and surfaces that may be contaminated. Without realizing it, we then touch our faces, transferring viruses to our eyes, nose and mouth where they can infect us.
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
We often touch our faces without noticing it. Be aware of this, and avoid touching your 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 and can then enter your body and make you sick.
3. Cover your cough
Make sure that you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with the bend of your elbow or with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. By covering your cough or sneeze you avoid spreading viruses and other germs to other people.
4. Avoid crowded places and close contact with anyone that has fever or cough
Avoid crowded places, especially if you are over 60 or have an underlying health condition such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart and lung diseases or cancer.
Why? COVID-19 spreads mainly by respiratory droplets that come out of the mouth or nose when a person who has the disease coughs.
5. Stay at home if you feel unwell
Stay at home if you feel unwell, even with a slight fever and cough.
Why? By staying home and not going to work or other places, you will recover faster and will avoid transmitting diseases to other people.
6. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early — but call first
If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early — if you can, call your hospital or health centre first so that they can tell you where you should go.
Why? This will help to make sure you get the right advice, are directed to the right health facility, and will prevent you from infecting others.
7. Get information from trusted sources
Stay informed about the latest information from about about COVID-19 from trusted sources. Make sure your information comes from reliable sources — your local or national public health agency, the World Health Organization (WHO) website, or your local health professional.
Why? Local and national authorities will have the most up-to-date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area.
For more information from WHO, visit:
- WHO COVID-19 main page
- Advice for the public
- When and how to use masks
- COVID-19 myth-busters
- Q&A videos
- Travel advice
- Training and e-learning
DIY face mask? Visit this website to learn how to make your own mask.
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