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.

Things to Know About COVID-19

Things to Know About COVID-19
Updated Apr. 30, 2021
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Know About COVID-19

COVID-19 is a virus.
COVID-19 has spread around the world.
COVID-19 can spread between people.
People with COVID-19 get sick in different ways.

COVID-19 is a Virus

COVID-19 can spread easily.
COVID-19 can spread between people.
COVID-19 can spread when people are too close.
COVID-19 can spread when people cough.
COVID-19 can spread when people sneeze.
COVID-19 can spread when people talk.
COVID-19 can spread when people sing.
Stay away from crowds.
Stay away from inside places with lots of people.
Stay away from people who are sick.
Stay away from people if you are sick.

COVID-19 may get on your hands if you touch things.
Keep your hands off your face.
Keep your hands off your nose.
Keep your hands off your mouth.
Wash your hands after you touch things.

Stop COVID-19 Every Day

Stay at least 6 feet away from people outside your home.
Stay away from people who are sick.
Stay away from crowds.
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.
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.
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.
Clean things that are touched often.

Protect Yourself Running Errands

Order things online when you can.
Get food delivered when you can.
Get medicine delivered when you can.
Stay out of the bank when you can.
Protect yourself if you must go in a store.
Protect yourself if you must go in the bank.
Protect yourself by wearing a mask.
Keep the mask on your face.
Keep your hands off the mask.
Protect yourself by staying away from other people.
Stay at least 6 feet away from other people.

Only touch things you want to buy.

Use hand sanitizer right after you pay.
Rub the hand sanitizer all over your hands.
Rub your hands until they feel dry.
Wash your hands when you get home.
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.

Steps if You Have COVID-19

Stay at home when you have COVID-19.
Stay away from other people.
Stay away from your pets and service animals.
Avoid public transit when you can.
Avoid busses when you can.
Avoid trains when you can.
Avoid taxis when you can.
You may have to stay home for a while.
You may have to stay home for at least 10 days.
Stay home until you feel better.
Get help if you are worried about how you feel.

Anyone Can Get COVID-19

Some people with COVID-19 feel fine.
Some people with COVID-19 feel sick.
COVID-19 can make some people very sick.
COVID-19 can make people with other health problems very sick.

Original Guidance: What you should know about COVID-19 to protect yourself and others pdf icon[340 KB, 1 page]

Download and Print: Things to Know About COVID-19 pdf icon[76 KB, 4 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.