Coronavirus: Twelve simple tips that protect

There is no one hundred percent protection against the coronavirus. But the risk of infection can be significantly reduced with simple measures. Important to know: The virus is transmitted as a droplet infection. When sneezing, coughing and speaking, tiny droplets are expelled. If they come into contact with other people’s breathing membranes, they can transmit the disease. The greatest risk is direct contact between people. Indirect infection through objects is also not excluded.

1. Restrict contacts: Every time you meet others, there is a risk of becoming infected or spreading the virus further.
2. Keep distance: If possible, do not get closer than two meters to other people – even when shopping and on public transport.
3. Do not address others directly: Even if it may seem impolite, turn your head a little away from the person you are speaking to.
4. Follow sneezing and coughing etiquette: keep your mouth and nose off. Sneeze and cough only into the crook of the elbow or into disposable handkerchiefs. Then wash your hands.
5. Don’t shake hands: It is imperative that you refrain from shaking hands. A friendly greeting is enough.
6. Wash hands regularly: It is best to wash your hands after coming home, before coming into contact with food, before eating and after using the toilet. A thorough cleaning takes about 30 seconds. Wet your hands under running, lukewarm water. Use soap and thoroughly lather your hands with it – also between your fingers and on the surface. Rub for about 20 seconds. Rinse off soap thoroughly and dry hands. If possible, use liquid soap (detergents) and disposable towels. Alternatively, a bar of soap can be used in the home. Soap and detergents damage the virus envelope, the pathogen is inactivated, even if only cold water is available. Very hot water offers no benefit and is harmful to the skin.
7. Do not put your hands on your face: Do not touch your mouth, nose and eyes with unwashed hands.
8. Do not eat with your fingers: Do not put food in your mouth when you are out and about – no candy, no piece of cake, no bratwurst. Better to use cutlery or a napkin.
9. Do not touch shopping trolleys, doorknobs and railings: Avoid contact with objects that many other people have touched. It is still unclear how long corona viruses can survive on surfaces.
10. Avoid unnecessary trips: Only travel that is absolutely necessary, especially because of close contact with other travelers – for example on the plane. Vacation trips to so-called risk areas in particular harbor a high risk of infection.
11. Cleaning your smartphone: Bacteria and viruses collect particularly on the display. Caution: Liquids containing alcohol can attack the surface. This also applies to many hygiene towels. Only use agents without alcohol and do not wipe too damp. Dry cleaning is also better than none.
12. Wear a mask: In the train, on public transport, when shopping, at events outside of the seat and in schools outside of the classrooms, a mask is generally required. Wearing a mask in closed rooms always makes sense when you cannot keep the distance rules to other people.