Slow the spread
Distancing
- Stay home as much as possible.
- Stay at least 6 feet from other people if you are in public places.
- Telework if you can.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- If you are 65 and older or have certain underlying medical conditions, stay at home and avoid situations where you could be exposed, including travel.
Hands and face
- Wash your hands often, with soap and water. Wash for at least 20 seconds.
- Always wash your hands after being in a public place.
- Always wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol.
- Use hand sanitizers on the hands only. Never use them on larger body surfaces, and never swallow or breathe them in.
- Do not make hand sanitizers into something you can spray into the air. This is dangerous to your health and can catch fire.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue. Throw used tissues in the trash.
Masks and face coverings
Face coverings, often called masks, can help stop your germs from infecting others. Research has shown that wearing masks reduces the risk of infection, especially when combined with other prevention efforts such as washing your hands often and staying 6 feet away from others.
As of July 25, 2020, per the Governor's Executive Order, people in Minnesota will be required to wear a face covering in all indoor businesses and public indoor spaces, unless you are alone.
How masks work
- The virus which causes COVID-19 is thought to be mostly spread by respiratory droplets released when people talk, cough or sneeze. Wearing a mask stops these droplets from spreading to others. This is extra important because around 40-50% of people with COVID-19 do not have symptoms but can still spread the virus.
- Wearing a mask does not mean people who are sick should be in public. Stay home if you are sick unless you need to seek medical care.
Who should wear a mask
- Everyone who can wear a mask should.
- Even if you've had COVID-19, you should still wear a mask because we do not know if people can get sick with COVID-19 again.
- Do not put masks or face covers on children under age 2.
- Do not put masks or face covers on anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, or unable to remove the mask without help.
- People with disabilities or special health needs may not be able to wear a mask.
How to wear a mask
- Wash your hands before putting on your mask and after taking it off.
- Cover your nose and mouth and try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face.
- Keep the mask on your face the whole time you are out. Don't put the mask around your neck or on your forehead.
- Wash your mask after each time you wear it.
Types of masks
- Types of face coverings can include a paper or disposable mask, a cloth mask, a scarf, a bandanna, or a religious face covering.
- Wear masks with two or more layers to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Other face coverings that are a thinner, single-layer of fabric, or are made of paper should only be used if nothing else is available.
- Do not buy or wear surgical or N95 masks. Health care workers need them so that they are protected when helping sick patients.
- Do not wear a mask with a valve because it allows droplets to be released from the mask.
If you are sick, stay home. If you get sick at work, you must go home.
For more information, please visit the Minnesota Department of Health website at https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/prevention.html