As we continue to navigate living in a world with COVID-19, it’s important to continue to protect yourself and others. Even though you may be careful and taking all precautions, there are ways you may be spreading COVID-19 without even realizing it.

Eating Out? Wear Your Mask!

Many restaurants are starting to allow customers inside their dining area. It is important to wear your mask until you are seated at your table, then you’re allowed to take off your mask. It is recommended that you wear your mask as much as possible so you’re not spreading any microorganisms. This may mean wearing your mask, pulling it down to take a bite and putting your mask back on.

Don’t Pull Your Mask Down When Speaking

Whether you’re speaking to your grandmother or any other person that’s hearing impaired, don’t pull your mask down! Unfortunately, this defeats the purpose of the mask. Instead, find other ways to communicate. Get creative! You can even communicate by writing on a dry erase board or piece of paper. There are specially designed masks that are clear to allow others to read lips that can be used in these circumstances.

Stay Distanced

It’s important to be mindful of staying 6 feet apart, about 2 arms’ length from others. COVID-19 spreads mainly among those who are in close contact for prolonged periods of time. When an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, droplets from their mouth and nose are launched into the air and lands in the mouth or nose of someone nearby. These droplets can be inhaled into the lungs. If you’re having a socially distanced hangout, be sure that it’s outdoors, you stay 6 feet apart and wear your mask!

Small Gatherings Are Still Dangerous

COVID -19 is still very real. Research has found dozens of people contracting COVID-19 and traced it back to a small gathering with just a few people. Even if you’re socially distanced indoors, COVID-19 can live for hours on a surface, depending on factors such as sunlight and humidity. A person may contract the virus by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, then touching their own nose, mouth or eyes. However, this is not the main way the virus spreads. Social distancing outdoors helps limit opportunities to meet contaminated surfaces.