Prevention

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the coronavirus and to use practices that reduce its spread. This can best be accomplished by:

Avoiding Close Contact

• Put distance between yourself and other people. Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus. Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
• Stay at least 6 feet (about the length of two arms) from other people.
• Avoid gathering in groups.
• Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings.

Wearing a Face Covering

• You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick. Wearing a cloth face covering in public areas protects other people in case you are infected.
• While on campus, students, faculty, staff, visitors (ages 10 and older) and contractors are to comply with the UHV guidance on face coverings.
• Individuals are asked to wear a face covering that covers their nose and mouth.
• Cloth face coverings should be washed daily.
• The use of surgical masks, surgical N-95 respirators or other medical masks is discouraged to maintain resources for health care providers and first responders.
• Continue to keep at least 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing and regular handwashing.
• Resources for making your own face covering:
• CDC guidelines including how to make a simple face covering: Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19.
• How to Make Your Own Face Covering with Surgeon General, Dr. Jerome Adams, in a few easy steps.
• See CDC guidance for further information about face coverings.

Practicing Respiratory and Cough Etiquette

• If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This should be done often, especially after blowing noses, coughing or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
• If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.

Following Other Good Hygiene Practices

• Make sure to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands and avoid personal contact with sick people.
• Avoid sharing food, cups or utensils.
• To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places and minimize handling cash, credit cards, and mobile or electronic devices.

Cleaning and Disinfecting

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Follow CDC cleaning recommendations.

Awareness

• Be aware of your health, and if you feel the onset of any symptoms, stay home except to get medical care.
• If you are a UHV employee, you are required to conduct a daily self-assessment of your health before coming to work, which includes taking your temperature. If you experience symptoms, alert your supervisor, do not come to campus and follow the Diagnosis/Symptoms Protocols.
• Be generally aware of who you are in close contact with, especially for extended periods of time, so that contact tracing can be performed if you become symptomatic.