How to Prepare for COVID-19

What Residents Can Do to Prepare for COVID-19

It’s important for the public to be prepared should a COVID-19 outbreak occur in San Diego County. To limit the spread of infection, you should:

• Wash your hands often to help protect you from germs.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, if soap and water are not available. It should contain at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home and keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then wash your hands.
• Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.

Residents should also follow these important tips to help prepare to respond to this public health threat.

• Store a two-week supply of food, beverages and water, including food for family pets. Ensure an adequate supply of prescribed and routine medications are on hand.
• Plan ways to care for those who are at greater risk for serious complications and who will take care of sick family members.
• If you have family members with increased risk of getting seriously sick, check with your medical providers about symptoms and treatment.
• Create an emergency contact list of family and friends, teachers and employers.
• Have a plan in case your school, child care, or employer closes temporarily.
• Talk with your children, family, and friends about what to do if an outbreak occurs and what each person would need.

Planning now helps you act more effectively to protect you and your family if COVID-19 does occur locally.

If you have individual questions, please talk to your healthcare provider. For community resources, please call 2-1-1 San Diego or visit www.211sandiego.org. or www.coronavirus-sd.com.