COVID-19 cases rise among young adults: How to stay safe

In the last few weeks, more young adults are testing positive for COVID-19 across the country. What’s more, recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows a significant percentage of people between ages 20 and 54 have been hospitalized.

That’s why public health officials warn that people of all ages can still be affected by the coronavirus and urge everyone to continue following social distancing precautions. Young adults who ignore social distancing may get the virus and spread it to others, especially people they know who are considered a high risk for the virus.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus, according to the CDC. Some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus. Follow the directions of your state and local authorities, along with these tips:

• Stay at least 6 feet — about two arms’ length— away from others. This includes avoiding close contact with people who are sick, even inside your home.
  
• Help stop the spread of COVID-19 by washing your hands often with soap and water, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding close contact with other people — even your friends.
  
• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering when around others, including when you have to go out in public (for example, to the grocery store).
  
  • The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
    
  • Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others.
    
  • Do NOT use a facemask meant for a health care worker.
    
  • In addition, do NOT place cloth face coverings on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
    
• Do not gather in groups. Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings.
  
  • This includes gatherings of any size outside your household, such as a friend’s house, parks, restaurants, shops or any other place.
    
  • This advice applies to people of any age, including teens and younger adults.
    
  • Children should not have in-person playdates while school is out.
    
• Avoid alcohol and drugs. These substances can weaken your body’s ability to fight infections and increase the risk of certain complications associated with COVID-19.
  
• Avoid using public transportation, ridesharing or taxis, if possible.
  
• Work from home when possible. Also consider using mail-order for medications and grocery delivery service if possible.
  
• Stay connected virtually. Distancing doesn’t mean disconnecting. You can still connect with loved ones through video calls, phone calls, texts or social media.

FIND COVID-19 SAFETY UPDATES

Visit redcross.org/coronavirus for more information on COVID-19 safety. For the latest information, please visit the CDC website at cdc.gov/covid19.  

If you live outside the United States, health and safety tips can be found through the World Health Organization and by following your local Red Cross or Red Crescent society’s social media channels (directory).