What You Need to Know About the COVID-19 Pandemic

Many countries around the world have successfully managed and slowed outbreaks of the coronavirus and the illness it causes, COVID-19. However, this emerging virus is still impacting countries and communities in an unpredictable way as infections continue spreading. It's more essential than ever to take action to protect yourself. Heeding the most up-to-date warnings from trustworthy groups like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) can help you do so.
In addition to regularly checking for updates from those organizations, follow these recommendations to continue protecting yourself during the pandemic.
General Recommendations for Protecting Yourself and Others
Taking a few key steps and following some simple guidelines can help you limit your exposure to the COVID-19 virus. It's important to remember that recommendations can change frequently, and new information can emerge quickly. Check with the CDC and WHO periodically to receive updates to guidelines and find out the latest details.
- Remain alert and proactive about your health. While older people and people with preexisting medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable, anyone can be impacted by the virus. The best way to keep yourself from getting sick is to avoid exposure in whatever way you can.
- Maintain social distancing. When you're in public spaces, stay at least 6 feet away from other people who aren't members of your household.
- Wear a cloth face covering when you're around others in public or people who aren't members of your household. This should cover your mouth and nose. Children under age 2 and anyone who is unable to remove a face covering without assistance should not wear one but should still practice social distancing.
- If possible, plan to work from home. Avoid large social gatherings and follow your state's restrictions about maximum gathering sizes if they exist.
- Avoid touching your face, as your hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds every time. If you don't have immediate access to soap and water, clean your hands using a coin-sized amount of hand sanitizer that's at least 60% alcohol.
- Sneeze and cough into your elbow to avoid spreading germs into your hands. Immediately wash your hands after coughing or sneezing. If you cough or sneeze into a tissue, throw it away immediately.
- If you notice respiratory problems or are experiencing a fever, seek medical attention immediately.
- Follow all current state and local directives regarding the pandemic, such as wearing a mask in public and practicing social distancing. You may face legal consequences — and expose yourself to the virus — if you neglect to do so.

What to Do If You're Sick or Think You Might Be
If you currently have COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms, the CDC suggests following these steps to take care of yourself and limit the spread of the virus to others in your household and your community:
- Stay at home unless you need to receive medical care. This means not leaving your house.
- Stay out of public areas as much as possible when you do need to leave. Don't use public transportation such as buses and subways. Also avoid taxis and ride-share vehicles.
- If possible, sequester yourself in a specific room in your home away from other people and pets and use a separate bathroom.
- Whenever you're around other people in your home or in public, wear a cloth face covering.
- Monitor your symptoms and contact your doctor immediately if they worsen.
- Seek emergency medical attention if you experience emergency warning signs of COVID-19. These include trouble breathing, a blue tint to your lips or face, lasting pain or pressure in your chest, and trouble waking or staying awake.
- When seeking medical care, whether from your primary care provider or emergency services, notify them ahead of time that you have COVID-19 or believe you might have it. This helps them better prepare for your visit and protect their staff members.
- Disinfect high-touch surfaces in your personal room and bathroom daily. These include phones, keyboards, remote controls, counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures and bedside tables.
- Someone in your home who isn't sick should disinfect high-touch surfaces in common areas of your home daily.
- Continue to cover your coughs and sneezes and wash your hands frequently or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean your hands.

Learn More About COVID-19
These articles and resources can help you learn more about a variety of topics related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 Safety Tips and News Coverage
- What Are the Symptoms of COVID-19?
- COVID-19 Terms: The Difference Between Social Distancing, Physical Distancing & More
- Can You Get Covid-19 Twice?
- Time for a Digital Detox? Here's How to Regulate Your News Intake While Still Staying Informed
- Is It Safer to Stay in a Hotel or Vacation Rental During the Pandemic?
- How Safe Is Outdoor Dining at Your Favorite Restaurant?
- Everything We Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine
- Here's How You Can Keep Your Pets Safe During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Can Your Pet Contract COVID-19?
- How Can You Protest Safely (Especially During the COVID-19 Pandemic)?
- What Can We Do to Protect Our Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
- Mask for Mask: A Guide for How to Reenter Society
- Everything You Need to Know About Covid-19 Mask Care
- Tips, Tricks & Items You'll Want for Your Household During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- How to Stay Calm and Reduce Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Delayed Stimulus Checks, EMPA and Everything Else You Should Know About the COVID-19 Relief Payments
- What Is Contact Tracing, and Why Is It Important During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
- This Is How to Safely Enjoy a Road Trip During the Pandemic
- Can Movies Teach Us Anything About Staying Safe (and Sane) During the Coronavirus?
- What Is Pandemic Fatigue, and How Can You Fight It?
- How Are Curfews Helpful During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
- How Was the COVID-19 Vaccine Developed?
- Dippin' Dots and COVID Shots: Does the Ice Cream Company Hold the Key to Vaccine Supply Chains?
Global Changes and Effects of the Pandemic
- How Have Local Farmers' Markets Adapted to COVID-19?
- The Surprising Impact of COVID-19 Shutdowns on the Environment
- Life After COVID-19: How Will Higher Education and K-12 Schools Change in the Fall?
- How Did Life Change After the Spanish Flu (and How Might Ours Change Post-Covid-19?)
- Six Months Later: What Have We Learned During Shelter-in-Place?
- Life After COVID-19: How Will the Pandemic Change Our Approach to Air Travel?
- From "Trolls" to Oscars' Rules: Here's How the COVID-19 Pandemic Has Already Changed the Film Industry
- How Has COVID-19 Changed Film Fests and Award Shows?
- How Will COVID-19 Impact 2020's Holiday Season?
- Life After COVID-19: How Can We Work in an Office Again?
- Life After COVID-19: Will Public Transit Change as a Result of the Pandemic?
- What Can We Learn From Other Countries Opening Up During the COVID-19 Outbreak?
- Life After COVID-19: How Will We Ever Go Shopping Again?
- Will Oil Get Kicked to the Curb After the COVID-19 Sales Slump?
- Look for the Helpers: True Heroes Emerge During the COVID-19 Crisis
- Is It Safe for Pro Sports to Return During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
- How Will the COVID-19 Pandemic Impact Our Approach to Art Museums?
- Has the NFL Learned Anything From Other Pro Sports Leagues' COVID-19 Returns?
- These Are the Major Film Releases Delayed by the COVID-19 Pandemic Until 2021 (or Longer!)
- Here's What You Need to Know About the Multiple New Coronavirus Strains in the U.S.
- How Has a Year Without Tourists Impacted the Overtourism Problem?
Quarantine Entertainment Resources
- Virtual Vacation: Dive Into Our Marine National Monuments
- Virtual Vacation: Experience the Excitement, Flavors and Culture of Madrid
- Virtual Vacation: From Street Cats to K-Pop in Seoul, South Korea
- Virtual Vacation: Wander Through the Peaceful Village of Iseltwald in Switzerland
- Virtual Vacation: How to Spend the Perfect Day in Rio de Janeiro at Home
- Virtual Vacation: Explore the Azores From the Comfort of Your Couch
- Virtual Vacation: Travel to Bangkok Without Leaving Your Home
- Virtual Vacation: Check Out the Frozen, Crystal Magic of Reykjavik, Iceland
- Virtual Vacation: Indulge in the Passion and Energy of Buenos Aires, Argentina
- What Is “MasterClass” and Why Is It the Perfect Quarantine Rabbit Hole?
- Cure Those Boredom Blues with Fun Indoor Activities for Adults
- Cohabitating in the Time of COVID-19: Simple Fixes to Improve Life with Your Roomie
- From "Contagion" to "Station Eleven," Why Are Folks Craving Apocalyptic Content During a Pandemic?
- Long (Social) Distance: Tips for Staying Connected With Loved Ones During the Pandemic
- Your Whole Family Can Enjoy These Virtual Museum Visits From the Couch
- How COVID-19 Inspired an Animation Renaissance
- Life After COVID-19: How Has the Pandemic Affected Independent Booksellers?
- What Makes the Perfect Watch — or Read — for Pandemic Times?





