Protect Yourself and Others

• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve, or if you use a tissue then discard the tissue and promptly wash your hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. 
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if hands are not visibly soiled.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19.

Take care of your emotional health

It is important during this time to take care of your physical health, you also need to pay attention to your emotional health. You can reduce your stress by taking positive steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. 

• Take care of yourself by doing things to relax you, such as breathing deeply; listening to music; enjoying sports, hobbies or reading.
• Move your body/exercise, eat healthy, and get enough sleep.
• Check-in with your friends, co-workers, and family.
• Take breaks from the news and social media. Make sure that your information only comes from reputable sources, such as the CDC and CDPHE, as well as up-to-date information on our site here at www.tchd.org/coronavirus.
• Develop a COVID-19 disaster kit so that you will have the supplies you need if you or a loved one gets ill. 

• The SAMHSA Disaster Distress Hotline is available for call or text 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is free and confidential. Call 1-800-985-5990 and press 2 or text: "TalkWithUs" to 66746; En Español: "Hablanos" to 66746

Take extra precautions for those with underlying medical conditions

Older adults (over age 60) and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions, like heart or lung disease or diabetes, seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.

• Consider avoiding crowds, avoiding non-essential air travel, limiting close contact when you’re out in public, and washing your hands often. Review more at CDC’s people at risk for serious illness from COVID-19.
• Please consult with your health care provider about additional steps you may be able to take to protect yourself.

Should I wear a Facemask?

You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it. Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. 

• Only wear a mask if you are sick (especially coughing) or looking after someone who may have COVID-19. 
• A disposable face mask can only be used once. 
• If you are not sick or looking after someone who is sick then you are wasting a mask. There is a world-wide shortage of masks, so use masks wisely.
• The use of facemasks is also crucial for healthcare workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

Plan ahead 

Learn more about how to be ready for many types of emergencies by reviewing CDC’s resources on emergency preparedness and response and getting your household ready for COVID-19.

Stay informed 

The coming days and weeks are likely to bring more confirmed cases of COVID-19, but if we can all follow health recommendations now, we can reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. Visit reliable sources like the CDC and CDPHE for the latest information, as well as, up-to-date information on our site here at www.tchd.org/coronavirus.