Coronavirus Safety Tips & Precautions

Staying Safe and Helping Others During COVID-19

Coronavirus Safety Tips for Everyone

(Para español, visite redcross.org/coronavirus-espanol)

The American Red Cross is closely monitoring the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and following the latest guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

According to the CDC, COVID-19 symptoms include fever, coughing and shortness of breath, plus others. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. Call your doctor for medical advice if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 or develop symptoms.

How Does COVID-19 Spread?

According to the CDC, the virus is thought to be spread mainly from person-to-person. This means it may spread between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet), or through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.
The CDC also reports that it may be possible for someone to get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object with the virus on it, and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
The best way to prevent illness from COVID-19 is to avoid being exposed to the virus, as there is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19.

Use Healthy Practices to Protect Yourself

The best way to stay healthy is to follow these steps from the CDC:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and practice social distancing by keeping at least 6 feet away from others if you must go out in public.
Wear a cloth face covering to cover your mouth and nose when around others and when you must go out in public. The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected. Don’t place one on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. Learn more.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and throw the tissue away after use. If a tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve, not your hands.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, computers, phones, keyboards, sinks, toilets, faucets and countertops. Read full CDC information.

Follow these five easy steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19

Sneeze or cough? Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or use your elbow.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Clean and disinfect surfaces around your home and work frequently.

Keep at least 6 feet between yourself and others if you must be in public.

Wear a cloth face covering over your mouth and nose when around others.

Hand Washing: A Simple Solution That Really Works

Teach kids how to wash their hands

Proper and consistent hand washing is one of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of illness. Teach kids by example by showing them proper hand washing technique:

Wet hands with water and apply an amount of soap recommended by the manufacturer to hands.
Rub hands together vigorously for at least 20 seconds, covering all surfaces of the hands and giving added attention to fingernails and surfaces where jewelry is worn.
Rinse hands with water.
Dry thoroughly with a disposable towel.
Use towel to turn off the faucet.

For younger children who tend to rush their hand washing, have them sing a short song such as "Row Row Row Your Boat," or the "Happy Birthday" song – this will ensure they wash for at least 20 seconds. Placing hand-washing reminders at children's eye level will also help them become consistent hand washers.

Explore Safety Topics in Detail

How to Slow the Spread of COVID-19

What to Do If You Are Sick

Precautions for People at Higher Risk

Coping with Stress During COVID-19

Information for Family Caregivers

Immigrants and COVID-19

Preparing for Disaster

Accessible Resources

More Information

Download Helpful Tip Sheets for Steps to Help Protect Against Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Available in multiple languages.

Protect Yourself & Others | PDF Format

Protect Yourself & Others | RTF Format

For the latest information, please visit:

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 for Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Have You Lost a Loved One Due to COVID-19?

We are sorry for your loss. Our Virtual Family Assistance Center offers national, state and local information and resources that we hope will help you during this challenging time.

Access Resources for Families

What to Know about COVID-19 and Blood Donation

The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood and platelet donations to prevent another blood shortage as hospitals resume all surgical procedures and patient treatments that were temporarily paused earlier this spring in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent weeks, hospital demand for blood products has significantly increased by 30% since demand sharply declined in early April amid this rapidly changing and complex environment. At the same time, blood drives continue to be canceled as many businesses and community organizations remain closed.

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control.

There is no known end date in this fight against coronavirus, and the Red Cross urgently needs the help of donors and blood drive hosts to ensure blood products are readily available for patients. If you are feeling well, please make an appointment to give by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Have You Recovered from COVID-19?

People who have fully recovered from COVID-19 have antibodies in their plasma that may help attack the virus. The Red Cross is helping to identify prospective donors and manage the distribution of donated convalescent plasma to hospitals treating patients in need.

If you're fully recovered from a verified coronavirus (COVID-19) diagnosis, please visit RedCrossBlood.org/plasma4covid to help current patients who are seriously ill.

Volunteer to Help Others

Needed Now: Blood Donor & Facility Screener Volunteers

The American Red Cross has a high-priority need for Blood Donor and Facility Screener Volunteers to continue delivering services to our communities. These volunteers welcome visitors to Red Cross facilities or blood drives and take their temperature before they enter. Visitors could include potential blood donors, clients, course participants, and Red Cross employees and volunteers. We can use your help right now!

Search for “Screener” in the search bar to find positions.
*Note: Positions will vary based on location.

View other high priority volunteer positions »

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