The 5 Most Important Steps You Should Take to Help Prevent COVID-19

Terms like “social distancing” and “self-quarantine” are now a part of everyday life. Life as we know it seems to change hour to hour as governors release executive orders and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announce recommendations designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus, also called COVID-19.

The medical aesthetics team at Contours LaserSpa in Fairfax, VA, wants you to stay well. To help protect yourself and your family from contracting or spreading the coronavirus, we offer the following 5 most important steps.

1. Wash your hands frequently

We know you’ve heard this one over and over again. But it is truly the most important preventive step you can take to prevent contracting COVID-19 and other viruses including the flu.

It’s essential to wash your hands properly too. Bar soap is the best. Lather it up with hot water and scrub for at least 20 seconds. If water isn’t available, use hand sanitizer.

2. Keep your distance

Keep six feet between yourself and others if going out in public, but stay home as much as possible. Remember that many people who do not have symptoms may still be able to spread the virus. Conversely, you could spread the virus to others even if you do not feel sick.

3. Cover up

When going out in public, wear a cloth face cover. Don’t use a facemask meant for healthcare workers, those are in short supply and needed on the frontlines. Children under the age of two should not wear face masks.

4. Avoid touching your face.

Avoid touching your face, especially when out in public. If droplets containing the virus are on your hands, touching your eyes, nose, or mouth would be the easiest way to transfer those droplets into your own body. Frequent handwashing will minimize the chances of those droplets from existing on your hands, to begin with. Still, limiting the frequency of touching your face is essential, as well. However, if you are in a private setting and not wearing a cloth face covering, do cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. When tissue isn’t within reach, use the inside of your elbow. Immediately after, throw the used tissue in the trash and wash our hands.

5. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces

Frequently, disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, your phone, and keyboard.