When you leave your house for work, to run errands, or for any other reason, you have a chance of being exposed to COVID-19 and bringing it back to your home.

The chances of being exposed increase when you

• Have close contact with other people (closer than 6 feet)
• Spend more time with other people
• Spend time in crowds (more than 10 people)
• Spend time in indoor spaces, particularly if poorly ventilated

Keep COVID-19 outside your home! When around people who don’t live in your home, wear a mask, wash your hands, and stay at least 6 feet apart to protect yourself and prevent bringing COVID-19 into your home.

Wear a Mask

• Wash your hands before putting on your mask.
• Wear your mask over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin.
• Fit your mask snugly against the sides of your face.
• Make sure you can breathe easily.
• When you take off your mask, handle it only by the ear loops or ties.
• Store your used mask safely to keep it clean between uses.
• Wash your cloth mask regularly, preferably in a washing machine.

Learn more about how to wear a mask and how to store and wash masks.

Stay at least 6 Feet Apart and Avoid Crowds

• Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) from other people. Remember that people can spread the virus even if they don’t have symptoms.
• Avoid crowds and indoor spaces as much as possible, particularly ones that aren’t well ventilated
  • The more people you are in contact with, the more likely you are to be exposed to COVID-19.

Wash Your Hands

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth until after you wash your hands.