Important update: Healthcare facilities
CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more
UPDATE
Given new evidence on the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, CDC has updated the guidance for fully vaccinated people. CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. Children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with layered prevention strategies in place.
UPDATE
The White House announced that vaccines will be required for international travelers coming into the United States, with an effective date of November 8, 2021. For purposes of entry into the United States, vaccines accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines. More information is available here.
UPDATE
Travel requirements to enter the United States are changing, starting November 8, 2021. More information is available here.

COVID-19 Safety

COVID-19 Safety
Updated Apr. 30, 2021
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People Spread COVID-19

People can spread COVID-19 even if they feel fine.
People can spread COVID-19 when they talk.
People can spread COVID-19 when they cough.
People can spread COVID-19 when they sneeze.

Stay at least 6 feet away from people outside your home.
Stay away from people who are sick.
Wear a mask to protect everyone.
The mask must cover your nose.
The mask must cover your mouth.
The mask must fit under your chin.
The mask must be snug on your face.
Wash your hands often.
Wash your hands with soap and water.
Wash your hands for 20 seconds.
Sing the happy birthday song twice while washing your hands.

Wash Your Hands Often

Wash your hands before touching your face.
Wash your hands when you get home.
Wash your hands before you make food.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Wash your hands after you use the bathroom.
Wash your hands after you blow your nose.
Wash your hands after you sneeze.
Wash your hands after you cough.
Wash your hands after you care for a sick person.
Wash your hands after you touch an animal.
Wash your hands after you touch your mask.
Wash your hands with soap and water.
Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
Sing the happy birthday song twice while washing your hands.

Use hand sanitizer if that is all you have.
Rub the hand sanitizer all over your hands.
Rub your hands until they feel dry.
Washing your hands with soap and water is best.

Protect Everyone from COVID-19

Wear a mask to protect yourself.
Wear a mask to protect your friends.
Wear a mask to protect your family.
Wear a mask to protect everyone.
Keep the mask on your face.
Keep your hands off your face.
Keep your hands off your nose.
Keep your hands off your mouth.

Cover Coughs and Sneezes

Always cover coughs and sneezes.
Cover your mouth when you cough.
Cover your nose when you sneeze.
Cover with the inside of your elbow.
Cover with a tissue.
Put used tissues in the trash.
Wash your hands if you cough or sneeze.

Clean Often

Clean to help slow down COVID-19.
Clean to remove dirt and germs.
Clean things that are dirty.
Clean things that are touched often.

Watch for Ways COVID-19 Can Make You Feel Sick

Some people with COVID-19 feel fine.
Some people with COVID-19 get sick.
Some people with COVID-19 need to see a doctor.
Some people with COVID-19 may need to go to the hospital.
Some people with COVID-19 have a fever.
Some people with COVID-19 feel very cold.
Some people with COVID-19 cough.
Some people with COVID-19 find it hard to breathe.
Take your temperature when you feel sick.
Get help when you are worried about how you feel.

Original Guidance: How to Protect Yourself & Others

Download and Print: COVID-19 Safety pdf icon[71 KB, 7 pages]

Development of these materials was supported by a grant from the CDC Foundation, using funding provided by its donors. The materials were created by the Center for Literacy & Disability Studies, Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation at Georgia Tech. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided subject matter expertise and approved the content. The use of the names of private entities, products, or enterprises is for identification purposes only and does not imply CDC endorsement.

Project funding ended 9/30/2021. All edits after that date are completed solely by CDC.