For the most up-to-date information, please refer to:
Coronavirus Basic Protective Measures
Individuals who are most susceptible to serious illness from COVID-19 include seniors and people with serious chronic health conditions like heart diseases, diabetes or lung disease. If you or someone in your family falls into these categories, it is especially important for you to take the following basic preventative measures.
1. Wash your hands frequently
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
2. Maintain social distancing
Maintain at least 3 feet distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain the virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
3. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
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.
4. 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. Droplets spread the virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
5. 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. 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 the spread of viruses and other infections.
Source: World Health Organization
Helpful Resources & Links
Massachusetts Department of Public Health COVID-19 Live Cases, Quarantine and Monitoring: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-cases-quarantine-and-monitoring
General Information on the Coronavirus: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Coronavirus FAQ: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#basics
Coronavirus Travel Advice: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/travel-advice
COVID-19 Preparation in Massachusetts: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-preparation-in-massachusetts