If you touch somebody who might have COVID-19, you could get the virus on your hands. If you then touch your face, you could get COVID-19. You can lower your chance of getting COVID-19 by avoiding touching people. If you can’t avoid it, reduce the number of people you touch.
Examples of reducing the number of people you touch:
- If at your job, you have to do a “team lift,” pick one partner to lift with for the week.
- As a basketball coach, have players practice no-contact skills like shooting and dribbling.
- Try a new dance class where you don’t need a dance partner.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us would use physical touch to greet others, comfort loved ones, and show affection. We still want to connect with other people, but in safer ways. For instance, you can smile, wave or use kind words to connect without using physical touch.
Examples of ways to connect without physical touch:
- Say “I love you” to a relative instead of giving a hug.
- Greet a coworker without shaking hands by saying, “Nice to see you!”
- Cheer on a teammate who just scored points with “Way to go!” and skip the high-five.
- When a friend is struggling, you can use words to comfort them. Try: “That sounds really tough.”
- To celebrate a new graduate, make a “CONGRATULATIONS!!!” sign that they can see for miles. Or at least from 6 feet away!
People often touch their face without realizing it. It’s important to avoid touching your face to lower your chance of getting COVID-19.
Examples of how to avoid touching your face:
- Avoid adjusting your mask after putting it on. Your mask can also help you remember not to touch your nose and mouth.
- Avoid resting your chin on your hands while working at your desk.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes when you’re tired.