The World Health organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on Mar.11. 

According to ABC News, “When panic is present, people tend to become doubtful, fearful, pessimistic. Panicked people subconsciously make reactionary decisions to avert risk without stopping to think about the consequences of their actions.” Such a reaction can be seen as people empty stores for an endless supply of food, masks, and sanitation products. 

However, it is important to know the facts about COVID-19. Here are the facts about COVID-19 and how to best prevent yourself and others from getting the virus according to nurse James Matejcek.

How does COVID-19 spread between people?

It is spread by droplets and coming in to direct contact with a surface that has the virus on it.

What is the best way to prevent COVID-19?

By washing your hands for at least 20 seconds as often as possible and wiping down all surfaces that you may come into contact with. Like doorknobs and tables as well as things like gas pumps and ATM’s.

Are face masks effective against COVID-19?

No they are not. Using an N95 mask may help prevent someone from spreading it to others though. But even then after about 20 minutes or when they are wet from the moisture from breathing they will not be effective any longer.

What steps should a person take if they believe they have COVID-19?

They should call their doctor’s office or local walkin and let them know that they may have the virus and may need to get screened for it. They should also try not to go out in public so as not to spread the virus to others in the community.

How should someone practice social distancing?

The best way is to stay home at all times unless someone needs to go to the store for things to survive on. Also if you need to go out into public try and stay at least 6 feet away from others if possible.

Within a household, what can students do to be safe, especially if they are living with older family members?

The best thing to do is make sure that everyone washes their hands for at least 20 seconds as much as possible and also wipe down all surfaces throughout the house with bleach wipes or Lysol spray. Use plenty of hand sanitizer as well. It is probably a good idea to try and stay at least 6 feet away from each other as much as possible. Also if you need to cough or sneeze you should try to do it into a tissue or at least your sleeve and not your hands.