In all honesty, the best way to keep yourself safe is to practice good hygiene and washing - which you should already be doing. I work in the emergency room, and we have been getting a lot of good information about staying protected. I thought I would share it with you guys. Here is a more thorough list of ways to protect yourself.
1. Wash your hands, for the love of God.
Please please PLEASE wash your hands. Wash them after you use the restroom. Wash them after you shake someone's hand. Wash them before you eat. Wash them after you sneeze and cough. Make sure you thoroughly wash them longer than you usually would. You can never wash your hands too much. The CDC says that there is a correct way to wash your hands effectively. They say to get your hands wet, scrub with soap for 20 seconds or more, rinse under CLEAN and RUNNING water, and dry your hands with a CLEAN towel. If there is no soap and water available, use hand sanitizer. Mayo Clinic mentions that if you use hand sanitizer, use one with at least 60% alcohol. Make sure to rub your hands until they are completely dry. Hand sanitizer is your last option though. Soap and water is always better.
2. Cover your coughs and sneezes.
Just like you, everyone else doesn't want to catch the coronavirus. Please cough and sneeze into your elbow... NOT your hand. If you sneeze and cough in to your hand, germs can travel from your mouth, to your hand, and to every surface you tough.
3. Do not go to the emergency room unless you have to.
If you feel like you are sick, please just stay home and rest. I assure you it is better than going to the emergency room and passing your sickness around. Plus, you don't want to be around other sick people in the ER. Stay home away from everyone. If you think you may have contracted the disease, please call the ER before you go, that way they can expect your arrival and plan accordingly.
4. Don't travel to affected areas.
This is obvious, but stay up to date about where the infection has spread to and avoid those areas at all costs.
5. Don't share utensils or drinks with anyone.
I would advise bringing your own utensils to restaurants, that way you know they are clean. Also, do not share any drinks with people because germs are easily spread that way.
6. Clean your personal belongings frequently.
Your cell phones carry so many germs. Just think. You touch doorknobs, toilets, etc., and then you touch your phone. Gross. Clean it. I would also advise cleaning anything in your house that you touch a lot, including light switches and door handles.
7. Maintain your health.
Eat healthy, drink plenty of water, exercise. These are all ways to boost your immune system and keep your body in tip-top shape.
8. Keep your fingers out of your mouth.
I know biting your nails can be a habit, but it will really benefit you to stop. Just avoid finger to mouth contact. :)
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