SAFELY NAVIGATING PUBLIC SPACES

It is likely that you will need to travel to public spaces at some point. This information aims to help you do that more safely.

GENERAL TIPS

Avoid close contact:
- Please maintain 6 feet or 2 arms’ length between people you pass in public
- People with no symptoms may still carry the virus.
- Don’t gather in groups, especially if you don’t know everyone in the group.
Covering your face:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover such as a mask when around others.
- Do not put face covers on children under the age of 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or otherwise unable to remove the cover without assistance.
- The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
- If you sneeze or cough, make sure to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow and then wash your hands as soon as possible.
- Please see the section below on mask making for more information on different ways to make your own masks from materials you have at home.
When going back to your living space:
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after coming home.
  - If you are not able to do this at home, use a public bathroom as close to home as possible and don’t touch doors with your hands on the way out.
- If you don’t have soap and water, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 70% alcohol.

Public Stores

Go to the store at hours of low traffic. Many stores have special hours for high-risk populations, so call ahead and ask about this option if it applies to you.
- Special store hours are listed on the "Food Resources" section of this site.

Hand Cleaning Steps

Hand Washing
1. Wet hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using something clean, or air dry them.
Hand Sanitizer
1. Apply the gel to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct amount).
2. Rub the gel over all the surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry.

The majority of individuals do not have access to medical-grade masks. This information will help you make viable masks out of materials that can be found in most homes.
An important note: The cloth you use can’t be too thin as it will be ineffective. To check the thickness of the fabric, hold it up to the light to see how much you can see through it. The less you can see, the better. 100% cotton is the best, you can also use multiple layers.
There are many online resources that show you how to make masks with items in your living space. One site is linked here.

Food: There is currently no evidence of food, food containers, or food packaging being associated with the transmission of COVID-19. When handling food, wash your hands frequently, and disinfect surfaces that groceries have been placed on when possible.
Packages: When handling the package, make sure not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. After opening the package, discard the packing material and wash your hands immediately.
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads, but we are still learning more about how this virus spreads.

The CDC has very informative recommendations and instructions about what to do in this situation. The site is linked here.

Navigating Public Spaces: News