Author: COVID-19 NEWS
Page: 19
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Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some coronaviruses cause cold-like illnesses in people, while others cause illness in certain types of animals, such as cattle, camels, and bats. Some coronaviruses, such as canine and feline coronaviruses, infect only animals and do not infect people.
Risk of animals spreading SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, to people
Some coronaviruses that infect animals can be spread to people and then spread between people, but this is rare. This is what happened with SARS-CoV-2, which likely originated in bats. The first reported infections were linked to a live animal market, but the virus is now spreading from person to person.
SARS-CoV-2 spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, and talking. At this time, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Based on the limited information available to date, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low. More studies are needed to understand if and how different animals could be affected by COVID-19.
Risk of people spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 to animals
The first US case of an animal testing positive for COVID-19 was a tiger at a New York zoo.
We are still learning about this virus, but it appears that it can spread from people to animals in some situations, especially after close contact with a person with COVID-19.
For information on how to protect pets from possible infection with SARS-CoV-2, see If You Have Pets.
Animals that can be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19
We know that cats, dogs, and some other mammals can be infected with SARS-CoV-2, but we don’t yet know all of the animals that can get infected. There have been reports of animals being infected with the virus worldwide.
A small number of pet cats and dogs have been reported to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 in several countries, including the United States. One ferret was reported positive for SARS-CoV-2 in Slovenia. Most of these pets became sick after contact with people with COVID-19.
Several animals in zoological facilities have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, including large cats and great apes. Several lions and tigersexternal icon in a New York zoo, a puma in South Africa, tigerspdf iconexternal icon in a Tennessee zoo, snow leopardsexternal icon at a Kentucky zoo, and gorillasexternal icon at a California zoo tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 after showing signs of illness. A cougar and tigerexternal icon at a Texas facility that exhibits wild animals also tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. It is suspected that these animals became sick after being exposed to employees with COVID-19, despite the staff following COVID-19 precautions.
Mink and SARS-CoV-2
SARS-CoV-2 has been reported in mink on farms in multiple countriesexternal icon, including the United States.
In the United States, respiratory disease and increases in mink deaths have been seen on most affected mink farms. However, mink that appear healthy have also been confirmed to have SARS-CoV-2 infection in several countries.
Infected workers likely introduced SARS-CoV-2 to mink on the farms, and the virus then began to spread among the mink. Once the virus is introduced on a farm, spread can occur between mink as well as from mink to other animals on the farm (dogs, cats).
Currently, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in the spread of SARS-CoV-2 to people. However, reports from infected mink farms in the Netherlands and Denmark suggest that in these environments there is the possibility for spread of SARS-CoV-2 from mink to people.
Although for most people in the United States the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection from animals is low, there is a higher risk for people working on mink farms.
Worker safety is critical to protect people and animals on mink farms. Mink farm workers with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should avoid contact with animals, including mink, and should follow available guidance for farmed mink and other mustelids to avoid introducing SARS-CoV-2 to mink on farms.
Guidance developed collaboratively by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), CDC, and state animal and public health partners using a One Health approach is available to protect worker and animal health:
CDC deployed One Health teams to multiple states to support state and local departments of health and agriculture, federal partners, and others in conducting on-farm investigations into people and multiple animal species with SARS-CoV-2 infection. As part of these investigations, the teams collected samples from animals on the farms and from people working on mink farms and in surrounding communities. CDC and USDA are collaborating to test and analyze these samples to better understand how SARS-CoV-2 can spread among mink, other animals, and people, as well as genetic variations of the virus. These investigations are ongoing and more information will be shared as it becomes available.
CDC is aware of reports of a new strain of SARS-CoV-2 virus in mink in Denmark that is also present in the local human population. Based on reports from Denmark, it appears that mink became infected after exposure to people infected with the virus, and the virus then mutated and spread from mink back to humans. This new strain, called “Cluster 5,” has not been seen before and is made up of five mutations.
Of mink and human samples tested so far in the United States, none have contained all the mutations that make up the Cluster 5 strain.
Currently in the United States, there is no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 spreading from mink to people, but investigations are ongoing. More information will be shared when it becomes available.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) maintains a listexternal iconexternal icon of all animals and mink farms in the United States with SARS-CoV-2 infections confirmed by their National Veterinary Services Laboratories.
Research on animals and COVID-19
Many studies have been done to learn more about how this virus can affect different animals.
Recent experimental research shows that cats, dogs, ferrets, fruit bats, hamsters, and tree shrews can become infected with the virus. Cats, ferrets, fruit bats, and hamsters can also spread the infection to other animals of the same species in laboratory settings.
Data from studies suggest that dogs can get infected but might not spread the virus to other dogs as easily as cats and ferrets can spread the virus to other animals of the same species.
A number of studies have investigated non-human primates as models for human infection. Rhesus macaques, cynomolgus macaques, grivets, and common marmosets can become infected with SARS-CoV-2 and become sick in a laboratory setting.
Laboratory mice, pigs, chickens, and ducks do not seem to become infected or spread the infection based on results from studies.
These findings were based on a small number of animals, and do not show whether animals can spread infection to people. More studies are needed to understand if and how different animals could be affected by COVID-19.
CDC, USDA, state public health and animal health officials, and academic partners are working in some states to conduct active surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in pets, including cats, dogs, and other small mammals, that had contact with a person with COVID-19. These animals are being tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection and also tested to see whether the pet develops antibodies to this virus. This work is being done to help us better understand how common SARS-CoV-2 infection might be in pets as well as the possible role of pets in the spread of this virus.
Guidance and recommendations
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Recorded August 18, 2020
CDC is not aware of any scientific reports of the virus that causes COVID-19 spreading to people through the water in lakes, oceans, rivers, or other natural bodies of water.
The following guidance highlights steps beach managers can take to help protect their staff and beach visitors, both in and out of the water, and prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.
Public beaches (such as swim areas at oceans, lakes, and other natural bodies of water) might be managed by local, state, territorial, federal, or tribal agencies or private entities. Beach managers can determine, in collaboration with local health officials, if and how to implement this guidance, making adjustments to meet the unique needs and circumstances of the local community. This guidance is meant to supplement—not replace—any local, state, territorial, federal, or tribal laws, rules, or regulations with which beaches managers must comply.
Know how the virus spreads to prevent the spread
The virus that causes COVID-19 most commonly spreads from person to person by respiratory droplets during close physical contact (within 6 feet). The virus can sometimes spread from person to person by small droplets or virus particles that linger in the air for minutes to hours. This can happen in enclosed spaces with inadequate ventilation. In general, being outdoors and in spaces with good ventilation reduces the risk of exposure to infectious respiratory droplets. Infected people with or without symptoms can spread the virus. The virus spreads less commonly when a person touches an object or surface that has the virus on it and then touches his or her mouth, nose, or, eyes.
Fortunately, there are several actions beach managers can take to help lower the risk of the virus spreading among persons at public beaches.
Promoting Behaviors that Prevent the Spread of the Virus that Causes COVID-19
Stay Home or Isolate when Appropriate
Educate staff and beach visitors about when they should stay home or isolate and when they can return.
Develop policies that encourage staff to stay home or isolate without fear of being punished or losing their jobs and ensure staff is aware of these policies.
Social (or Physical) Distancing
Encourage social distancing—staff and beach visitors should stay at least 6 feet away (a few inches longer than a typical pool noodle, both in and out of the water) from people they don’t live with. There is no standard formula to determine how many people can maintain social distancing in and around the water.
Exceptions to social distancing should be made to
Rescue a distressed swimmer, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), or provide first aid; or
Evacuate the water or entire beach due to an emergency.
Stagger use of shared spaces (such as limiting the number of people in the water, bathrooms, locker rooms, and breakrooms). For example, have patrons sign up, online or by phone, for swim or beach time slots.
Don’t allow staff or patrons to gather while waiting for access. This means staying at least 6 feet away from people they don’t live with, preferably outside or in a well-ventilated space.
Stagger start and end times of swim lessons and aquatics classes to allow for social distancing on the deck.
Assign separate entries and exits to encourage everyone to move in one direction, if possible.
Limit occupancy of enclosed spaces (such as bathrooms, breakrooms, and visitor centers) to make it easy for staff and beach visitors to stay at least 6 feet away from people they don’t live with.
Don’t allow staff or beach visitors to gather while waiting for access. This means staying at least 6 feet away from people they don’t live with, preferably outside or in a well-ventilated space.
Discourage activities, such as eating and drinking (on dry land or in communal spaces), that require removal of masks.
Educate staff and patrons about arriving “swim” ready (for example, showering before going to the beach). Enforce this and other healthy swimming steps.
Ask parents or caregivers to consider if their children can stay at least 6 feet apart from people they don’t live with before taking them to the beach.
Limit any nonessential visitors, volunteers, and activities involving external groups or organizations.
If the beach is used by other organizations, encourage them to also follow this guidance.
Encourage staff and beach visitors to carpool or vanpool only with people they live with.
Cloth Masks (Not Goggles, SCUBA Masks, etc.)
Encourage use of cloth masks among staff and beach visitors. Masks should be worn in addition to staying at least 6 feet apart from people you don’t live with.
Advise staff and beach visitors wearing cloth masks not to wear them in the water. A wet cloth mask can make it difficult to breathe and might not work as well as a dry one. This means it is particularly important to maintain social distancing in the water.
Encourage everyone to bring a second (or extra) cloth mask in case the first one gets wet.
Provide staff and beach visitors with information on how to properly wear, and take off, cloth masks. Remind staff and beach visitors not to touch their masks when wearing them.
Masks should not be placed on
Children younger than 2 years old or
Anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
Consider adaptations and alternatives for children and adults, with certain disabilities, who are unable to tolerate or properly wear a mask.
Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette
Encourage handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available.
Adults and older children who can safely use hand sanitizer should use one that contains at least 60% alcohol. Place hand sanitizer in visible, frequently used locations (such as at entrances and exits).
Hand sanitizers might not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy, so wiping off sand or sunscreen before application might be helpful. Reapply sunscreen after hands are dry.
Provide portable, accessible handwashing stations: safe (such as potable) water, soap, a way to dry hands using paper towels or air hand dryer, and no-touch/foot-pedal trash cans (preferably covered). Portable handwashing stations can offer more opportunities for staff and beach visitors to wash their hands.
Encourage everyone not to spit and to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of their elbows, throw used tissues in the trash, and wash their hands immediately with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, if soap and water are not readily available.
Adequate Supplies
Support steps that prevent the spread of the virus by providing accessible sinks and enough supplies for people to wash or sanitize their hands and cover their coughs and sneezes. Supplies include cloth or disposable masks (if possible), soap and water, a way to dry hands (paper towels or air hand dryer), tissues, dispensers, no-touch/foot-pedal trash cans (preferably covered), and hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
Signs and Messages
Maintaining Healthy Environments
Ventilation in Buildings
Increase ventilation, intake of outdoor air and exhaust of indoor air, to reduce the concentration of virus particles in indoor air. Different approaches to achieve this can be taken. Implementing multiple tools at the same time increases overall effectiveness. Improving ventilation can reduce the risk of exposure to the virus and reduce the spread of disease, but it will not eliminate risk completely. The building owner should consult a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) professional to determine which approaches to take.
Physical Barriers and Guides
Provide physical cues or guides (such as lounge chairs, umbrellas, or highly-visible stakes in the sand) and visual cues (such as posted signs or decals or tape on floors or sidewalks) to encourage everyone to stay at least 6 feet away (both in and out of the water) from people they don’t live with.
Cleaning and Disinfection
Develop, implement, and fine-tune a plan to clean and then disinfect shared objects (such as lounge chairs, umbrellas, life jackets, wetsuits, oars, kayaks, wake boards, surf boards, paddle boards, and swim fins) between users and frequently touched surfaces (such as doorknobs, handrails, drinking water fountains, faucets, other bathroom surfaces, diaper-changing stations, touch screens, and structures for climbing or playing) at least daily. The more frequently a surface is touched by different people, the more frequently it should be cleaned and then disinfected.
Ensure safe and effective use and storage of cleaning and disinfection products by reading and following label directions. This includes wearing protective equipment (such as gloves and goggles), not mixing chemical products, applying them at directed concentration for directed amount of time, and storing them securely away from children and animals.
Document cleaning and disinfection of shared objects and surfaces and post in highly visible locations (such as at entrances) for staff and beach visitors to see.
Set up a system so that shared objects that need to be cleaned and then disinfected are kept separate from shared objects that are already cleaned and then disinfected. For example, label containers for used and potentially contaminated shared objects and label containers for cleaned and disinfected shared objects.
Launder towels and clothing according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water temperature and dry items completely.
Protect shared objects that have been cleaned and disinfected from becoming contaminated before use.
Shared Objects
Discourage staff and beach visitors from sharing items that are difficult to clean, sanitize, or disinfect or that are meant to come in contact with the face (such as goggles, nose clips, and snorkels).
Discourage staff and beach visitors from sharing items (such as food, equipment, toys, and supplies) with people they don’t live with.
Ensure adequate equipment for beach visitors (such as life jackets) to minimize sharing and clean and then disinfect between users.
Maintaining Healthy Operations
Protect Staff at Increased Risk for Severe COVID-19 Illness
Offer options to staff at increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness to limit their risk of infection (such as modified job responsibilities that limit interactions with people they don’t live with).
Put in place policies to protect the privacy of people with underlying health conditions that put them at increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness, in accordance with applicable local, state, territorial, federal, and tribal privacy and confidentiality laws, rules, and regulations.
Limit staff and beach visitors to people who live in the local geographic area (e.g., community, city, town, or county) to reduce risk of spread from areas with higher levels of COVID-19.
Lifeguards and Water Safety
Ensure that lifeguards who are actively lifeguarding are not also expected to monitor social distancing, use of cloth masks, or handwashing of others. Assign these monitoring duties to staff that is not actively lifeguarding.
Regulatory Awareness
Operate and manage the beach in accordance with local, state, territorial, federal, and tribal laws, rules, and regulations.
Consult with local health officials before considering holding an event (such as open-water swims and other sports competitions, swim lessons, and beach parties) and comply with limits on gathering sizes.
Gatherings
Limit gatherings (both in and out of the water) if social distancing cannot be maintained.
Stagger arrival and departure times to help maintain social distancing, if planned gatherings must be conducted.
Staffing
Stagger or rotate shifts to limit the number of staff present at the same time, but be sure to meet health and safety standards.
Schedule same team of staff to always work together, if possible. This can help prevent the spread of the virus among staff by limiting the interaction among staff because members of one team don’t work with members of another team.
Designated COVID-19 Point of Contact
Designate a staff member to be responsible for responding to COVID-19 concerns. All staff and beach visitors should know who this person is and how to contact him or her.
Communication Systems
Put systems consistent with applicable local, state, territorial, federal, and tribal privacy and confidentiality laws, rules, and regulations in place to
Have staff and beach visitors notify the designated COVID-19 point of contact if they have symptoms of COVID-19, have been diagnosed with COVID-19, are waiting for COVID-19 test results, or were exposed to someone with COVID-19 within the last 14 days.
Notify staff and the public of cases or beach closures or restrictions (such as limited hours of operation or limited number of beach visitors) to prevent the spread of the virus.
Leave (Time Off) Policies
Implement flexible sick leave policies and practices that enable employees to stay home or isolate when they have symptoms of COVID-19, have been diagnosed with COVID-19, are waiting for test results, have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 within the last 14 days, or are caring for someone who is sick.
Examine and revise policies for leave and employee compensation.
Leave policies should be flexible and not punish people for taking time off and should allow sick employees to stay home and away from co-workers. Leave policies should also account for employees who need to stay home with their children (such as during school or childcare closures).
Develop policies for return-to-work after COVID-19 illness. CDC criteria for no longer needing to isolate or stay home can inform these policies.
Back-Up Staffing Plan
Monitor absenteeism of staff and create a roster of trained back-up staff.
Staff Training
Train staff on all health and safety protocols.
Conduct training virtually or ensure that social distancing is maintained during in-person training.
Recognize Signs and Symptoms
Conduct daily health checks or ask staff and beach visitors to conduct self-checks (such as temperature checks or symptom screening), if possible.
Do health checks safely and respectfully and in accordance with any applicable local, state, territorial, federal, and tribal privacy and confidentiality laws, rules, and regulations. Beach managers may use CDC examples of screening methods.
Preparing for When Someone Becomes Sick Onsite
Staff and patrons should isolate if they have symptoms of COVID-19 or tested positive for COVID-19 and stay home if exposed to someone with COVID-19. If a staff member or patron develops COVID-19 symptoms at a public beach, take the following steps to help prevent the spread:
Develop a Plan Ahead of Time
Isolate and Transport Those Who Become Sick Onsite
Separate immediately staff and beach visitors with COVID-19 symptoms from others. The sick person should go home and follow CDC guidance for caring for oneself or to a healthcare facility. If the sick person cannot immediately leave
Have the sick person go to designated isolation space where anyone can go if they have COVID-19 symptoms. This designated space should be outside or in a well-ventilated area, if possible. If the designated space is indoors, be sure to consult an HVAC professional ahead of time about how to increase ventilation (such as opening windows) if the space is used for isolation.
Encourage the sick person to wear a cloth mask if it is safe for them to do so.
Instruct sick staff and beach visitors not to return until they have met CDC criteria for no longer needing to isolate or stay home.
Clean and Disinfect
Block off areas (such as isolation room, bathroom, or lifeguard stations) used by the sick person and do not use these areas until after cleaning and then disinfecting.
Wait at least 24 hours before cleaning and then disinfecting. If 24 hours is not feasible, wait as long as possible. Use disinfectants from EPA’s List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)external iconexternal icon.
Ensure safe and effective use and storage of cleaning and disinfection products by reading and following label directions. This includes wearing protective equipment (such as gloves and goggles), not mixing chemical products, applying them at directed concentration for directed amount of time, and storing them securely away from children and animals.
Notify Local Health Officials and Close Contacts
Notify immediately local health officials about the person who became sick with COVID-19 onsite, in accordance with local, state, territorial, federal, and tribal laws, rules, and regulations.
Work with local health officials to instruct staff and, as possible, beach visitors, who have been exposed to the person who became sick with COVID-19 onsite, to stay home, self-monitor for symptoms, and follow CDC guidance if they develop symptoms.
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As an aircraft maintenance worker, you could be exposed to COVID-19 in situations such as when you have close contact with someone with COVID-19, when you touch surfaces while repairing aircraft interiors and lavatories that have been touched or handled by a person with COVID-19, or by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Limit close contact with others by maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet, when possible.
Practice routine cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces, following the directions on the cleaning product’s label.
Use gloves whenever you touch surfaces contaminated by body fluids.
Proper hand hygiene is an important infection control measure. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
Key times to clean hands in general include:
Before, during, and after preparing food
Before eating food
After using the toilet
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
Additional times to clean hands on the job include:
Before and after work shifts
Before and after work breaks
After touching frequently touched surfaces
After removing any personal protective equipment (PPE)
After performing maintenance tasks such as handling untreated human waste
After putting on, touching, or removing cloth face coverings
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Recommendations based on work tasks:
Interior Work:
Wear your normally required PPE, if applicable, when making repairs in the passenger cabin area.
Do not use compressed air or water sprays to clean surfaces contacted by passengers, as these techniques may aerosolize potentially infectious material.
If cleaning is required before you make repairs, first review CDC cleaning guidance for Airlines and Airline Crew: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and contact your employer for additional guidance.
Air Filter Replacement:
Wear your normally required PPE, if applicable.
Follow the manufacturer’s filter replacement schedule.
When replacing air filters (including HEPA filters):
Avoid hitting, dropping, or shaking the filter.
Do not use compressed air to clean a filter. This will keep materials in the filter from becoming airborne.
Dispose of the used filter and gloves in a sealed plastic bag.
Clean your hands when the task is finished.
Waste and Wastewater Handling:
Follow standard practices when performing work tasks that could expose you to untreated waste and wastewater. Untreated waste and wastewater colored blue (i.e., a deodorizing agent in some aircraft toilets) are not disinfected and have the potential to be infectious. Take these steps to protect yourself:
Avoid causing or creating a fine spray of untreated waste material.
Do not vent aircraft vacuum waste tanks inside hangars if the aircraft’s external venting system is not equipped with a filter to prevent the spread of germs from the waste. If you must vent the vacuum waste tanks inside a hangar, use a technique that exhausts the air outside the hangar.
Use employer-provided PPE when handling human waste or sewage:
Splash-proof face shield
Liquid-repellent coveralls
Waterproof gloves
Rubber boots
Remove PPE after use following your employers’ instructions, and immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
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Summary of Recent Changes
Revisions were made on December 23, 2020 to reflect recent data supporting increased risk of severe illness among persons with Down syndrome from the virus that causes COVID-19. Revisions also include addition of sickle cell disease and chronic kidney disease to the conditions that might increase the risk of severe illness among children.
We are learning more about COVID-19 every day. The below list of underlying medical conditions is not exhaustive and only includes conditions with sufficient evidence to draw conclusions; it is a living document that may be updated at any time, subject to potentially rapid change as the science evolves. This list is meant to inform clinicians to help them provide the best care possible for patients, and to inform individuals about their level of risk so they can make individual decisions about illness prevention. Notably, the list may not include every condition that might increase one’s risk for developing severe illness from COVID-19, such as those for which evidence may be limited (e.g., rare conditions). Individuals with any underlying medical condition (including those conditions that are NOT on the current list) should consult with their healthcare providers about personal risk factors and circumstances to determine whether extra precautions are warranted.
Adults of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19. Severe illness from COVID-19 is defined as hospitalization, admission to the ICU, intubation or mechanical ventilation, or death.
Adults of any age with the following conditions are at increased risk of severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19:
COVID-19 is a new disease. Currently there are limited data and information about the impact of many underlying medical conditions on the risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Based on what we know at this time, adults of any age with the following conditions might be at an increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19:
Want to see the evidence behind these lists?
While children have been less affected by COVID-19 compared to adults, children can be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and some children develop severe illness. Children with underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness compared to children without underlying medical conditions. Current evidence on which underlying medical conditions in children are associated with increased risk is limited. Children with the following conditions might be at increased risk for severe illness: obesity, medical complexity, severe genetic disorders, severe neurologic disorders, inherited metabolic disorders, sickle cell disease, congenital (since birth) heart disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, asthma and other chronic lung disease, and immunosuppression due to malignancy or immune-weakening medications.
We do not yet know who is at increased risk for developing the rare but serious complication associated with COVID-19 in children called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), nor do we know what causes MIS-C. Learn about MIS-C.
Reduce your risk of getting COVID-19
It is especially important for people at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and those who live with them, to protect themselves from getting COVID-19.
The best way to protect yourself and to help reduce the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 is to:
If you start feeling sick and think you may have COVID-19, get in touch with your healthcare provider within 24 hours. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, contact your nearest community health centerexternal icon or health department.
What to consider before being around other people
There is no way to ensure you have zero risk of infection, so it is important to understand the risks and know how to be as safe as possible if or when you do resume some activities, run errands, or attend events and gatherings.
People at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and those who live with them, should consider their level of risk before deciding to go out and ensure they are taking steps to protect themselves. Consider avoiding activities where taking protective measures may be difficult, such as activities where social distancing can’t be maintained. Everyone should take steps to prevent getting and spreading COVID-19 to protect themselves, their communities, and people who are at increased risk of severe illness.
In general, the more people you interact with, the more closely you interact with them, and the longer that interaction, the higher your risk of getting and spreading COVID-19.
If you decide to engage in public activities, continue to protect yourself by practicing everyday preventive actions.
Keep these items on hand and use them when venturing out: a mask, tissues, and a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if possible.
If possible, avoid others who are not wearing masks or ask others around you to wear masks.
Are you considering in-person visits with family and friends? Here are some things to consider to help make personal and social activities as safe as possible:
When to delay or cancel a visit
In general, the more people you interact with, the more closely you interact with them, and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread. So, think about:
How many people will you interact with?
Can you keep at least 6 feet of space between you and others?
Will you be outdoors or indoors?
What’s the length of time that you will be interacting with people?
Encourage social distancing
Limit the number of people you interact with and ensure you keep safe distances (at least 6 feet) between you when possible and if not in the same household.
Visit with your friends and family outdoors, when possible. If this is not feasible, make sure the room or space is well-ventilated (for example, open windows or doors) and large enough to accommodate social distancing.
Arrange tables and chairs to allow for social distancing. People from the same household can be in groups together and don’t need to be 6 feet apart from each other.
Consider activities where social distancing can be maintained, like sidewalk chalk art or yard games.
Try to avoid close contact with your visitors. For example, don’t shake hands, elbow bump, or hug. Instead wave and verbally greet them.
If possible, avoid others who are not wearing masks or ask others around you to wear masks.
Consider keeping a list of people you visited or who visited you and when the visit occurred. This will help with contact tracing if someone becomes sick.
Limit the time you have close contact with visitors to less than 15-20 minutes as much as possible.
Wear masks
Masks prevent people from getting and spreading the virus, especially those who may not know they have it.
Masks should be worn over the nose and mouth. Masks are especially important to help protect each other when it is difficult to stay at least 6 feet apart from others or when people are indoors.
Masks prevent people from getting and spreading the virus.
CDC recognizes that wearing masks may not be possible in every situation or for some people such as children. Some older adults with cognitive, sensory, or behavioral issues might find wearing a mask difficult. Adaptations and alternatives should be considered whenever possible to increase the feasibility of wearing a mask or to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 if it is not possible to wear one. These adults need to take extra precautions when interacting with others. Additionally, some people may rely on reading lips or facial expressions during social interactions. This can be difficult when others are wearing masks that cover large portions of their face.
Who should NOT use masks: Children under age 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, or is incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
Wash hands often
Everyone should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds at the beginning and end of the visit and whenever you think your hands may have become contaminated.
If soap and water are not readily available, such as with outdoor visits or activities, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Remind guests to wash or sanitize their hands before serving or eating food.
Use single-use hand towels or paper towels for drying hands so visitors do not share towels. Have a no-touch trash can available for guests to use.
Limit contact with commonly touched surfaces or shared items
Encourage your visitors to bring their own food and drinks.
Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces and any shared items between use.
If you choose to use any shared items that are reusable (e.g., seating covers, tablecloths, linen napkins), wash, clean, and sanitize them after the event.
If you are thinking about participating in an event or gathering:
If you are at increased risk for severe illness, consider avoiding high-risk gatherings. Here are things to consider for personal and social activities.
Stay healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic
Staying healthy during the pandemic is important. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether your vaccinations and other preventive services are up to date to help prevent you from becoming ill with other diseases.
It is particularly important for those at increased risk of severe illness, including older adults, to receive recommended vaccinations against influenza and pneumococcal disease.
Talk with your healthcare provider about maintaining preventive services like cancer screenings during the pandemic.
Remember the importance of staying physically active and practicing healthy habits to cope with stress.
Ask your healthcare provider about telemedicine or remote healthcare visits, and know when to go to the emergency department.
If you have a medical emergency, do not delay seeking emergency care.
If you have an underlying medical condition, you should continue to follow your treatment plan:
Continue your medicines and do not change your treatment plan without talking to your healthcare provider.
Have at least a 30-day supply of prescription and non-prescription medicines. Talk to a healthcare provider, insurer, and pharmacist about getting an extra supply (i.e., more than 30 days) of prescription medicines, if possible, to reduce your trips to the pharmacy.
Do not delay getting emergency care for your underlying medical condition because of COVID-19. Emergency departments have contingency infection prevention plans to protect you from getting COVID-19 if you need care.
Call your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your underlying medical conditions or if you get sick and think that you may have COVID-19. If you need emergency help, call 911 right away.
If you don’t have a healthcare provider, contact your nearest community health centerexternal icon or health department.
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Getting a flu vaccine during 2020-2021 is more important than ever because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Flu vaccination is especially important for people who are at high risk from flu; many of whom are also at high risk for COVID-19 or serious outcomes.
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Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
You will be subject to the destination website’s privacy policy when you follow the link.
CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.
For more information on CDC’s web notification policies, see Website Disclaimers.
Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
You will be subject to the destination website’s privacy policy when you follow the link.
CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.
For more information on CDC’s web notification policies, see Website Disclaimers.
Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
You will be subject to the destination website’s privacy policy when you follow the link.
CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.
For more information on CDC’s web notification policies, see Website Disclaimers.