FAQs for Law Enforcement Agencies and Personnel
Are there additional precautions law enforcement personnel should take during death investigations?
Upon entering a structure (home or place of business) where someone has died
and COVID-19 is a suspected cause or contributing factor, law enforcement
personnel should anticipate that others in that building could also be
infected. If the cause of death is unknown, it would be most protective to
assume that COVID-19 contributed. Law enforcement personnel should limit the
number of personnel needed to enter the building, if feasible. If the building
has not been cleared, law enforcement personnel should wear the following
PPE:

A single pair of disposable examination gloves
Disposable isolation gown or single use coveralls
Fit-tested NIOSH approved N95 respirator or higher level of protection (or a facemask if respirators are unavailable)
Eye protection (goggles or a disposable face shield).

Further, law enforcement personnel should try to maintain social distancing
(at least 6 feet distance) with others at all times, especially while in the
structure.
If the building has been cleared, then it may not be necessary to wear
respiratory and eye protection, unless there are other hazards present that
dictate their use according to an onsite hazard/risk assessment.
Law enforcement personnel should be careful not to touch potentially
contaminated surfaces and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth. However, this
is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Law enforcement should avoid direct contact with someone who has died of
suspected or confirmed COVID-19 :

Every jurisdiction is different, but law enforcement personnel, in general, should not move or transport a body.
Consult with the medical examiner/coroner’s office to determine the appropriate next steps and protective measures for that jurisdiction. The medical examiner/coroner’s office can decide who will transport the decedent.

When the investigation is over, law enforcement personnel should take the
following steps:

Safely remove gloves and other PPE and properly dispose of them according to existing policies and procedures. Law enforcement personnel should be trained on the proper donning and doffing of PPEpdf icon.
Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or, if soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
If other reusable items (e.g., such as duty belt or gear) come into contact with individuals with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, disinfect those items according to the manufacturers’ instructions. For disinfection, most EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective. A list of products that are EPA-approved for use against the virus that causes COVID-19 is available hereexternal icon.


FAQs for Law Enforcement Agencies and Personnel
What does CDC recommend for law enforcement personnel who have been in close contact (less than 6 feet) with a person with suspected or confirmed COVID-19?
If law enforcement personnel have direct personal contact with an individual
with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, they should immediately use alcohol-
based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol, or wash
hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
They should also avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth. Any uniform items
(or other surfaces) that were potentially exposed should be disinfected or
cleaned as soon as feasible. For example, the duty belt or other non-porous
items can be disinfected using products that are EPA-approved for use against
the virusexternal icon. Porous items, like the uniform, should
be replaced as soon as possible and then laundered according to manufacturers’
recommendations. This is especially important if any body fluids were expelled
during the encounter (bloodborne pathogen protocols should also be followed if
applicable). Gloves should be worn when touching potentially contaminated
items or applying disinfectants and it is important to perform hand hygiene
upon removing gloves or other PPE.
Law enforcement personnel who have an exposure should be evaluated by their
occupational health program and may be able to finish their work shift before
starting home isolation.
If personnel and resources are available, it is most protective for law
enforcement personnel to stay at home until 14
days after
exposure to an individual with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 if the exposure
was prolonged (10 minutes or more) or if the exposure was of concern (e.g.,
the individual coughed into the face of the law enforcement officer). This
would best protect the health of the exposed worker, their co-workers, and the
general public.
However, if personnel and resources are not available, law enforcement
personnel (considered critical infrastructure workers) may be permitted to
work after exposure to ensure continuity of operations. To continue working,
the exposed worker should remain symptom-free, and the employer should put
into place the following prevention
strategies for the exposed worker:

Screen the worker for symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, or shortness of breath) before each work shift
Regularly monitor the worker for symptoms, under the supervision of an occupational health program
Ensure the worker practices social distancing (remaining at least 6 feet away from others)
Ensure the worker wears a facemask (or cloth face covering if facemasks are unavailable) to protect others

If an exposed worker develops symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, or shortness
of breath) and is still working, the employer should:

Send the worker home immediately and encourage them to follow CDC guidance for What to Do If You Are Sick.
Clean and disinfect surfaces in their workspace.
Follow CDC guidance to determine when the worker can return to work.

For more information, see CDC’s updated guidance for Implementing Safety
Practices for Critical Infrastructure Workers Who May Have Had Exposure to a
Person with Suspected or Confirmed
COVID-19.


FAQs for Wildland Firefighters
In many situations, fire personnel travel from many different geographic locations and live and work closely in shared living spaces, such as bunkhouses, during the fire season. In these situations, how do you prevent infection and spread of COVID-19 for co-workers or crewmates?
When personnel arrive to their duty stations, it is recommended that
management provide separate spaces for the personnel to socially
distance themselves from others on their crew for 14 days,
if possible. During this period, personnel should take special precautions to
limit any close interactions with other people (maintaining at least 6-feet
distance) and avoid sharing kitchens, living spaces (bedrooms), bathrooms, or
household items.
If shared living spaces and common areas must be utilized during the initial
14 day period after reporting, all personnel should still practice social
distancing (maintaining at least 6 feet distance from one another), wear
cloth face coverings, and frequently clean and
disinfect shared and high touch surfaces. Personnel should also
consider sleeping in opposite directions (head to toe) and avoid using bunk
beds in shared sleeping quarters. Management should also consider increasing
ventilation rates and/or the percentage of outdoor air that circulates within
the shared living and working areas.
When feasible, management should employ mechanisms to support their employees
and limit employees’ interactions with others during this period. This may
include online ordered and delivered groceries, delivered meals, and virtual
and online training tasks.
After the initial 14-day period is over, fire crews and modules who work
together and do not have regular interactions with other people can isolate as
a unit. During this time, personnel should continue to cover their mouth and
nose with tissue or elbow when they cough or sneeze, perform proper hand
hygiene and frequently clean and
disinfect shared spaces,
vehicles, and equipment with EPA-registered
disinfectantsexternal icon that are appropriate for the surface and
effective against SARS-CoV-2, following label instructions. If a crew operates
as a unit, it is not necessary for crew members to wear face coverings unless
they are not feeling
well or interacting with the public (consistent with CDC
guidelines for households living in close
quarters). If interactions with the general public must occur, all
personnel should practice social distancing, wear cloth face coverings,
perform hand hygiene, and disinfect surfaces, objects, or items that are
shared with the general public.
For more information, see CDC’s COVID-19 Guidance for Shared or Congregate
Housing.


FAQs for Wildland Firefighters
What precautions should wildland firefighting personnel take when they come off assignment and return back home to their families?
When crew members return home after an assignment, they should continue to
self-monitor for fever and symptoms. Personnel who feel sick should follow CDC
guidance for What to Do If You Are Sick. Personnel who have vulnerable family
members within their home should consider social distancing from those
family members or wearing a facemask or cloth face covering if social
distancing is not possible, even if they feel well and do not have symptoms,
for 14 days.


FAQs for Wildland Firefighters
What precautions should be implemented for protecting firefighters and other personnel at fire camps?
Fire camps can include thousands of personnel living together and working
collectively to respond to a wildfire, often in remote areas. In many ways,
fire camps are like small communities. For example, fire camps employ a number
of support personnel, some of whom may be considered at higher risk for
severe illness from COVID-19 (e.g., people 65 years and older, or
people with serious underlying medical conditions). Also, fire camps have many
people coming and going throughout the day. Therefore, extra precautions
should be taken. Note: Many of the recommendations in CDC’s COVID-19
Guidance for Shared or Congregate
Housing also apply to fire camps.
The following are protective measures that can be employed within the fire
camp to prevent COVID-19 transmission:

Screening of temperature and symptoms for everyone entering a fire camp and daily screening for those who remain at the camp
Encouraging personnel to maintain social distancing (6 feet or more) as much as feasible
Wearing cloth face coverings as a form of source control
Providing hand washing stations (soap and water) or hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol throughout the camp, especially outside bathrooms, portable toilets, and dining facilities
Providing individual bottles of hand sanitizer for all personnel at the fire camp
Ensuring bathrooms, portable toilets, and handwash stations are well stocked with hygiene products (e.g., soap and water, hand sanitizer, paper towels)
Using disinfectants approved by the EPA for use against COVID-19external icon to clean showers, bathrooms, sinks, portable toilets, and handwash stations at least twice a day (in the morning and evening after heavy use) and commonly-touched surfaces in the dining facility before and after each meal. Make sure individuals doing the cleaning are trained on the proper application of the disinfectant and wear protective disposable gloves and other PPE as recommended by the disinfectant manufacturer
Instructing personnel to avoid placing toothbrushes (or other personal items) directly on sinks as that is a potential contamination pathway. Individual totes may be used to carry and keep personal items off sinks
Ensuring that food service personnel wear disposable gloves during preparation and serving of food and practice recommended hand hygiene
Staffing drink stations to limit the number of people touching the drink machines
Instructing personnel not to share personal items (e.g., cups, canteens, safety glasses, etc.) with others
Using ventilation systems, fans, or open windows to increase outdoor air circulation in enclosed spaces within the fire camp including command tents, dining facilities, and showers
Establishing housing in one area of the fire camp (or nearby community) that could be used for isolation, if necessary, and assigning someone on staff to make sure that anyone being isolated is provided with necessities. Note: it is likely people will get sick with illnesses other than COVID-19, but out of an abundance of caution, all illnesses should be treated as COVID-19 until medical staff determines otherwise
Ensuring medical staff in the fire camp are familiar with the CDC Guidance for Healthcare Professionals, which provides information on control measures, including PPE that should be worn, when caring for individuals with known or suspected COVID-19


FAQs for Wildland Firefighters
What does CDC recommend for wildland firefighting personnel who have been in close contact (less than 6 feet) with a person with suspected or confirmed COVID-19?
If wildfire personnel have direct personal contact with an individual with
suspected or confirmed COVID-19, they should take the following actions:

Immediately perform hand hygiene (i.e., use alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol or wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds).
Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
Clean and disinfect any clothing items or surfaces that were potentially exposed (coughed on, sneezed on, or exposed to body fluids) as soon as possible.
Non-porous items can be disinfected using products that are EPA-approved for use against the virusexternal icon.
Porous items, like clothing and other reusable personal protective equipment (PPE), should be replaced as soon as possible. The potentially contaminated items should be laundered according to manufacturers’ recommendations using the warmest water available.
Gloves (e.g., nitrile or latex) should be worn when touching potentially contaminated items or applying disinfectants. Perform hand hygiene upon removing gloves or other PPE.

If personnel and resources are available, it is most protective for wildfire
personnel who were exposed to an individual with suspected or confirmed
COVID-19 to stay at home until 14 days after exposure if the exposure was
prolonged (10 minutes or more) or if the exposure was of concern (e.g., the
individual coughed or sneezed on the worker).
If personnel and resources are not available, wildfire personnel (considered
critical infrastructure workers) may be permitted to continue to
work after exposure to ensure continuity of operations. To continue working,
the exposed worker should be symptom-free, and the employer should use the
following prevention strategies:

Screen the exposed worker for symptoms of COVID-19 before each work shift.
Regularly monitor the exposed worker for symptoms, under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.
Ensure the exposed worker practices social distancing during his/her work shift by assigning tasks where he/she can still work but remain at least 6 feet away from others, if possible.
Ensure the exposed worker wears a facemask (or cloth face covering only if facemasks are unavailable) to protect others.

If an exposed worker develops symptoms of COVID-19 and is still working, the
employer should:

Provide a facemask for the worker to wear (if not already wearing one).
Send the worker to the medical unit, if available, for evaluation to determine if medical care is needed. If a medical unit is not available, encourage the worker to call a qualified medical provider for guidance.
Send the worker home if it is safe for the worker to travel and make sure the worker is wearing a facemask. If it is not safe for the worker to travel, isolate the worker from others on the crew and require the worker to wear a facemask.
Ensure the worker is provided with necessary supplies, including food, water, and hygiene items, while he/she is self-isolating.
Encourage the worker to follow CDC guidance for What to Do If You Are Sick.
Clean and disinfect any surfaces and areas the worker may have touched.
Follow CDC guidance to determine when the worker can return to work.


FAQs for Wildland Firefighters
Are first responders, like wildland firefighters, being prioritized for those who will be tested for COVID-19?
At this time, first responders with symptoms of
coronavirus are
classified by CDC as high priority for getting tested for COVID-19. The process and locations for
testing vary by location or jurisdiction. Contact your state, local, tribal,
or territorial health department for more information, or reach out to a
medical provider in your jurisdiction. CDC does not do individual testing.


FAQs for Wildland Firefighters
Should wildfire management agencies screen personnel for signs and symptoms of COVID-19?
All personnel should be encouraged to self-monitor for symptoms before they
come to work. Workers who have symptoms of COVID-19 should immediately notify
their supervisor and safety officer and self-isolate. They can also enter
their symptoms into the CDC Coronavirus Self-
Checker to determine whether they need to seek medical care.
Wildfire agencies should ensure that sick leave policies are flexible and
consistent with public health guidance, and that employees are aware of and
understand these policies.
Wildfire agencies should consider implementing daily temperature checks and
symptom screening, consistent with the White House guideline for Opening Up
America Againexternal icon. Consider a program for screening workers before entry into the workplace
or fire incident, based on CDC guidance for screening employees for
COVID-19, which includes:

Verbal screening (from a distance of at least 6 feet) to determine if workers have had symptoms of COVID-19 within the past 24 hours.
Checking temperatures of workers at the start of each shift to identify anyone with a fever of 100.4℉ or greater.
Ensure that screeners are trained to use temperature monitors.
Make sure that temperature monitors are accurate under conditions of use (such as cold or hot temperatures).
Avoid direct sunlight when recording temperatures.

Preventing employees from entering the workplace if they have a fever of 100.4℉ or greater, or if verbal screening results indicate that the worker may have COVID-19.
Encourage workers to self-isolate and contact a healthcare provider.
Provide information on the agency’s return-to-work policies and procedures which may be informed by CDC’s Discontinuation of Isolation for Persons with COVID-19 Not in Healthcare Settings interim guidance.
Inform the employer health unit (if in place), incident medical unit, and supervisor so the worker can return home and self-isolate.

Ensure that personnel performing screening activities, including temperature
checks, are appropriately protected from exposure to potentially infectious
workers.

Implement engineering controls, such as physical barriers or dividers or rope and stanchion systems, to maintain at least six feet between screeners and workers being screened.
If screeners need to be within six feet of workers, provide them with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) based on the tasks being performed.
At minimum, screeners should wear facemasks.
Additional PPE may include gloves, gowns, and face shields.
N95 filtering facepiece respirators (or more protective) may be appropriate for workers performing screening duties and necessary for workers managing a sick employee who has symptoms of COVID-19 in the work environment (see below). Note: If respirators are needed, they must be used in the context of a comprehensive respiratory protection program that includes medical exams, fit testing, and training in accordance with OSHA’s Respiratory Protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134external icon).


FAQs for Wildland Firefighters
What steps can be taken by wildland fire personnel to prevent infection and spread of COVID-19? How can a crew, module, or resource “isolate as a unit” to better protect themselves?
The best way to prevent COVID-19 is to avoid being exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the
virus that causes COVID-19. All firefighters and support personnel should have
a basic understanding of COVID-19, how the disease is thought to
spread,
what the symptoms of
the disease are, and what measures can be taken to prevent or minimize the
transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19.
During the fire season, it will be important that members of each fire crew or
module make an effort to operate and isolate as a unit. Management will need
to develop and implement procedures and protocols to prevent possible
exposures to the virus. When possible, crews should not interchange personnel
or equipment between units and should limit the number of personnel who must
interact with people in the community (e.g. fueling vehicles, picking up
supplies, etc.). This will require planning and using technology to safely
accomplish tasks while maintaining social distancing as much as possible. This
may include implementing procedures that allow fire crews or incident
management personnel to stay remote, isolate from other units, or complete
tasks or missions virtually. If close contact with others in the community is
necessary, it is advised that all personnel wear facemasks or cloth face
coverings for source control.
Wildfire management and personnel should prioritize reducing fatigue and
remaining healthy throughout the fire season. Rest and proper hydration and
nutrition should be prioritized and emphasized every workday.


FAQs for Wildland Firefighters
While traveling to fire assignments, what actions can wildland firefighters take to prevent infection and protect the communities that they will be traveling through?
While traveling between assignments or during fire responses (via large
transport vehicles), it is often not practical to implement social distancing
measures. However, the following actions can be taken to prevent transmission
of the virus during travel.

Following screening guidance presented above and from CDC, continue screening personnel for symptoms of COVID-19 and temperature checks before travel and throughout a response. If screening identifies a worker suspected to have COVID-19, the worker should return home or self-isolate and not travel.
Wear a facemask or cloth face coverings, when appropriate and when interacting with individuals outside of your unit, as a source control.
Wash hands with soap and water or using hand-sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol:
After blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing
After using the restroom
Before eating or putting anything in the mouth
Before and after preparing food
After touching high-contact surfaces that could be contaminated (e.g., door handles, phones, computers)
After contact with animals or pets

Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth.
Turn the vehicle ventilation fan(s) to high, in non-recirculating mode, and/or open windows to maximize the intake of outdoor air.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces on a routine basis such as:
In the truck cab (door handles, steering wheel, seat belts and buckles, arm and head rest, seat cover, turn signal, wiper controls, dashboard, air ducts, radio, and temperature and other controls).
Other surfaces like controls, and other flat surfaces that are touched.
If a third party must have access to the interior of your truck (for example, mechanics, other drivers, inspectors), request that the third party clean and disinfect the truck before turning it back over to you.
For disinfection, use products that meet EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2external icon, diluted household bleach solutions, or alcohol solutions with at least 70% rubbing alcohol, and are appropriate for the surface. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for use, and clean your hands afterwards.

For more information, see CDC guidance for Coronavirus and Travel in the
United States.


Frequently Asked Questions
Cleaning and Disinfection
Who should clean and disinfect community spaces?
Regular cleaning staff can clean and disinfect community spaces. Cleaning
staff should be trained on appropriate use of cleaning and disinfection
chemicals and provided with the personal protective equipment (PPE) required
for the chemicals used.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Animals
Can wild animals spread the virus that causes COVID-19 to people or pets?
Currently, there is no evidence to suggest the virus that causes COVID-19 is
circulating in free-living wildlife in the United States, or that wildlife
might be a source of infection for people in the United States. The first case
of a wild animal testing positive for the virus in the United States was a
tiger with a respiratory illness at a zoo in New York City. However, this
tiger was in a captive zoo environment ,and public health officials believe
the tiger became sick after being exposed to a zoo employee who was infected
and spreading the virus.
If a wild animal were to become infected with the virus, we don’t know whether
the infection could then spread among wildlife or if it could spread to other
animals, including pets. Further studies are needed to understand if and how
different animals, including wildlife, could be affected by COVID-19. Because
wildlife can carry other diseases, even without looking sick, it is always
important to enjoy wildlife from a distance.
Take steps to prevent getting sick from wildlife in the United States:

Keep your family, including pets, a safe distance away from wildlife.
Do not feed wildlife or touch wildlife droppings.
Always wash your hands and supervise children washing their hands after working or playing outside.
Leave orphaned animals alone. Often, the parents are close by and will return for their young.
Consult your state wildlife agency’s guidance if you are preparing or consuming legally harvested game meat.
Do not approach or touch a sick or dead animal – contact your state wildlife agency instead.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Children
How can I protect my child from COVID-19 infection?
You can encourage your child to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by teaching
them to do the same things everyone should do to stay healthy.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles).
Launder items, including washable plush toys, as appropriate and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. Dirty laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.

You can find additional information on preventing COVID-19 at Prevention for
2019 Novel Coronavirus
and at Preventing COVID-19 Spread in
Communities.
Additional information on how COVID-19 is spread is available at How COVID-19
Spreads.
More information on Children and Coronavirus Disease 2019
(COVID-19) is available online.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Animals
Should I avoid contact with pets or other animals if I am sick with COVID-19?
We are still learning about this virus, but it appears that it can spread from
people to animals in some situations. Until we learn more about this new
coronavirus, you should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you
are sick with COVID-19, just like you would with people. When possible, have
another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If
you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including

Petting
Snuggling
Being kissed or licked
Sharing food or bedding

If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash
your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a cloth face
covering.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Funerals
What do funeral home workers need to know about handling decedents who had COVID-19?
A funeral or visitation service can be held for a person who has died of
COVID-19. Funeral home workers should follow their routine infection
prevention and control precautions when handling a decedent who died of
COVID-19. If it is necessary to transfer a body to a bag, follow Standard
Precautions, including additional personal protective equipment (PPE) if
splashing of fluids is expected. For transporting a body after the body has
been bagged, disinfect the outside of the bag with a product with EPA-
approved emerging viral pathogens claimspdf iconexternal iconexternal
icon expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data
for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all
cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method
and contact time, etc.). Wear disposable nitrile gloves when handling the body
bag.
Embalming can be conducted. During embalming, follow Standard Precautions
including the use of additional PPE if splashing is expected (e.g. disposable
gown, faceshield or goggles and N95 respirator). Wear appropriate respiratory
protection if any procedures will generate aerosols or if required for
chemicals used in accordance with the manufacturer’s label. Wear heavy-duty
gloves over nitrile disposable gloves if there is a risk of cuts, puncture
wounds, or other injuries that break the skin. Additional information on how
to safely conduct aerosol-generating procedures is in the CDC’s Postmortem
Guidance. Cleaning should be conducted in accordance with
manufacturer’s instructions. Products with EPA-approved emerging viral
pathogens claimspdf iconexternal iconexternal
icon are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on
data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application
method and contact time).
After cleaning and removal of PPE, perform hand
hygiene by washing
hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based
hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water is not
available. Soap and water should be used if the hands are visibly soiled.
Decedents with COVID-19 can be buried or cremated, but check for any
additional state and local requirements that may dictate the handling and
disposition of the remains of individuals who have died of certain infectious
diseases.


Frequently Asked Questions
How COVID-19 Spreads
What is community spread?
Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area,
including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Children
How do I prepare my children in case of COVID-19 outbreak in our community?
Outbreaks can be stressful for adults and children. Talk with your children
about the outbreak, try to stay calm, and reassure them that they are safe. If
appropriate, explain to them that most illness from COVID-19 seems to be mild.
Children respond differently to stressful situations than
adults.
CDC offers
resources to help talk with children about
COVID-19.


Frequently Asked Questions
Community Mitigation
What is community mitigation?
Community mitigation activities are actions that people and communities can
take to slow the spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19. Community
mitigation is especially important before a vaccine or drug becomes widely
available.


Frequently Asked Questions
Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs
What if my child or someone else in the home is sick with symptoms of COVID-19?
If your child with special healthcare needs becomes sick with symptoms of
COVID-19, contact your
child’s healthcare provider. If your child has new or worsening emergency
warning signs,
such as trouble breathing, pain or pressure in the chest, confusion or
inability to wake them up, or bluish lips or face, call 911. If you think your
child may have COVID-19, notify the operator so that first responders may be
appropriately prepared to protect themselves and others.
Notify your child’s healthcare provider if someone else in your house becomes
sick with COVID-19, so they can provide any advice specific for your child.
See additional information if someone in the home is sick with
COVID-19 or
suspected of having COVID-19.


Frequently Asked Questions
How COVID-19 Spreads
What temperature kills the virus that causes COVID-19?
Generally coronaviruses survive for shorter periods at higher temperatures and
higher humidity than in cooler or dryer environments. However, we don’t have
direct data for this virus, nor do we have direct data for a temperature-based
cutoff for inactivation at this point. The necessary temperature would also be
based on the materials of the surface, the environment, etc. Regardless of
temperature please follow CDC’s guidance for cleaning and
disinfection.


Frequently Asked Questions
School Dismissals and Children
While school’s out, limit time with older adults, including relatives, and people with chronic medical conditions.
Older adults and people who have serious underlying medical
conditions are at highest risk of getting sick
from COVID-19.

If others in your home are at particularly high risk for severe illness from COVID-19, consider extra precautions to separate your child from those people.
If you are unable to stay home with your child during school dismissals, carefully consider who might be best positioned to provide childcare. If someone at higher risk for COVID-19 will be providing care (older adult, such as a grandparent or someone with a serious underlying medical condition), limit your children’s contact with other people.
Consider postponing visits or trip to see older family members and grandparents. Connect virtually or by writing letters and sending via mail.


Frequently Asked Questions
Higher Risk
What does a well-controlled health condition mean?
Generally, well-controlled means that your condition is stable, not life-
threatening, and laboratory assessments and other findings are as similar as
possible to those without the health condition. You should talk with your
healthcare provider if you have a question about your health or how your
health condition is being managed.


Frequently Asked Questions
Preparing Your Home and Family for COVID-19
What steps can my family take to reduce our risk of getting COVID-19?
Practice everyday preventive actions to help reduce your risk of getting sick
and remind everyone in your home to do the same. These actions are especially
important for older adults and people who have severe chronic medical
conditions:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles).
Launder items, including washable plush toys, as appropriate and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. Dirty laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.


Frequently Asked Questions
In Case of an Outbreak in Your Community
Will schools be dismissed if there is an outbreak in my community?
Depending on the situation, public health officials may recommend community
actions to reduce exposures to COVID-19, such as school dismissals. Read or
watch local media sources that report school dismissals or and watch for
communication from your child’s school. If schools are dismissed temporarily,
discourage students and staff from gathering or socializing anywhere, like at
a friend’s house, a favorite restaurant, or the local shopping mall.


Frequently Asked Questions
Preparing Your Home and Family for COVID-19
What should I do if someone in my house gets sick with COVID-19?
Most people who get COVID-19 will be able to recover at home. CDC has
directions for
people who are recovering at home and their caregivers, including:

Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention
Look for emergency warning signs for COVID-19. If someone is showing any
of these signs, *seek emergency medical care immediately**

Trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion
Inability to wake or stay awake
Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: Notify the
operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.

Use a separate room and bathroom for sick household members (if possible).
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Provide your sick household member with clean disposable facemasks to wear at home, if available, to help prevent spreading COVID-19 to others.
Clean the sick room and bathroom, as needed, to avoid unnecessary contact with the sick person.
Avoid sharing personal items like utensils, food, and drinks.


Frequently Asked Questions
How COVID-19 Spreads
Can I get sick with COVID-19 if it is on food?
Based on information about this novel coronavirus thus far, it seems unlikely
that COVID-19 can be transmitted through food – additional investigation is
needed.


Frequently Asked Questions
Higher Risk
Are there any medications I should avoid taking if I have COVID-19?
Currently, there is no evidence to show that taking ibuprofen or naproxen can
lead to a more severe infection of COVID-19.
People with high blood pressure should take their blood pressure medications,
as directed, and work with their healthcare provider to make sure that their
blood pressure is as well controlled as possible. Any changes to your
medications should only be made by your healthcare provider.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Animals
Should I worry about my pet cat?
We are still learning about this virus and how it spreads, but it appears it
can spread from humans to animals in some situations. CDC is aware of a small
number of pets, including cats, reported to be infected with the virus that
causes COVID-19, mostly after close contact with people with COVID-19. Most of
these animals had contact with a person with COVID-19. A tiger at a New York
zoo has also tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19.
At this time, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in
spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Based on the limited data available,
the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low. The
virus that causes COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person, typically
through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking.
People sick with COVID-19 should isolate themselves from other people and
animals, including pets, during their illness until we know more about how
this virus affects animals. If you must care for your pet or be around animals
while you are sick, wear a cloth face covering and wash your hands before and
after you interact with pets.


Frequently Asked Questions
Cleaning and Disinfection
Should sidewalks and roads be disinfected to prevent COVID-19?
CDC does not recommend disinfection of sidewalks or roads. Spraying
disinfectant on sidewalks and roads is not an efficient use of disinfectant
supplies and has not been proven to reduce the risk of COVID-19 to the public.
The risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 from these surfaces is
very low and disinfection is not effective on these surfaces.


Frequently Asked Questions
Coronavirus Disease 2019 Basics
Why might someone blame or avoid individuals and groups (create stigma) because of COVID-19?
People in the U.S. may be worried or anxious about friends and relatives who
are living in or visiting areas where COVID-19 is spreading. Some people are
worried about getting the disease from these people. Fear and anxiety can lead
to social stigma, for example, toward people who live in certain parts of the
world, people who have traveled internationally, people who were in
quarantine, or healthcare professionals.
Stigma is discrimination against an identifiable group of people, a place, or
a nation. Stigma is associated with a lack of knowledge about how COVID-19
spreads, a need to blame someone, fears about disease and death, and gossip
that spreads rumors and myths.
Stigma hurts everyone by creating more fear or anger toward ordinary people
instead of focusing on the disease that is causing the problem.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Animals
What should I do if my pet gets sick and I think it’s COVID-19?
There is a small number of animals around the world reported to be infected
with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after having contact with a person
with COVID-19. Talk to your veterinarian about any health concerns you have
about your pets.
If your pet gets sick after contact with a person with COVID-19, do not take
your pet to the veterinary clinic yourself. Call your veterinarian and let
them know the pet was around a person with COVID-19. Some veterinarians may
offer telemedicine consultations or other plans for seeing sick pets. Your
veterinarian can evaluate your pet and determine the next steps for your pet’s
treatment and care.


Frequently Asked Questions
Coronavirus Disease 2019 Basics
Why do some state’s COVID-19 case numbers sometimes differ from what is posted on CDC’s website?
CDC’s overall case numbers are validated through a confirmation process with
jurisdictions. The process used for finding and confirming cases displayed by
different places may differ.


Frequently Asked Questions
Community Mitigation
What are community mitigation actions for COVID-19?
Some community mitigation actions may include:

Washing hands often
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and practicing social distancing
Covering mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
Covering coughs and sneezes
Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces daily


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Animals
Is hunter-harvested game meat safe to eat during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Currently, there is no evidence that you can get infected with the virus that
causes COVID-19 by eating food, including wild hunted game meat. However,
hunters can get infected with other diseases when processing or eating game.
Hunters should always practice good hygiene when processing animals by
following these food safety recommendations:

Do not harvest animals that appear sick or are found dead.
Keep game meat clean and cool the meat down as soon as possible after harvesting the animal.
Avoid cutting through the backbone and spinal tissues and do not eat the brains of any wild animal.
When handling and cleaning game:
Wear rubber or disposable gloves.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke.

When finished handling and cleaning game:
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Clean knives, equipment, and surfaces that were in contact with game meat with soap and water and then disinfect them. While these recommendations apply to general food safety practices, if you are concerned about COVID-19, you may use a product on the EPA list of disinfectants for use against the COVID-19 virusexternal icon.

Cook all game meat thoroughly (to an internal temperature of 165°F or higher).
Check with your state wildlife agency regarding any testing requirements for other diseases and for any specific instructions regarding preparing, transporting, and consuming game meat.


Frequently Asked Questions
Preparing Your Home and Family for COVID-19
How can I prepare in case my child’s school, child care facility, or university is dismissed?
Talk to the school or
facility about their emergency operations plan.
Understand the plan for continuing education and social services (such as
student meal programs) during school dismissals. If your child attends a
college or
university, encourage them to learn about the school’s plan for
a COVID-19 outbreak.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Water
If my utility has issued a Boil Water Advisory, can I still use tap water to wash my hands?
In most cases, it is safe to wash your
hands with soap and tap water
during a Boil Water
Advisory. Follow the guidance from your local
public health officials. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-
based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.


Frequently Asked Questions
Symptoms & Testing
What kind of test is being used to diagnose if I have COVID-19?
There are actually many tests being used to diagnose COVID-19 that the U.S.
Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized for use during the current
emergency. All of these viral tests identify the virus in samples from the
respiratory system, such as from nasal or nasopharyngeal swabs. Some tests are
conducted at the testing site you visit, and results are available to you
within minutes. Other tests must be sent to a laboratory to analyze, a process
that takes 1-2 days once the lab receives your samples. Two tests allow you to
collect your own sample at home – either a nasal swabexternal
icon or a
saliva sampleexternal icon – but you will still need to send the
sample to a lab for processing.
Locations and types of testing sites vary depending on where you live (see
question: Where can I get tested). Check with your testing site to learn which
test it uses. You can find a patient information sheet about each test on the
FDA websiteexternal icon.


Frequently Asked Questions
Cleaning and Disinfection
Is it safe to vacuum in a school, business, or community facility after someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 has been present?
The risk of transmitting or spreading SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes
COVID-19, during vacuuming is unknown. At this time, there are no reported
cases of COVID-19 associated with vacuuming. If vacuuming is necessary or
required in a school, business, or community facility that was used by a
person with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, first follow the CDC
recommendations for Cleaning and Disinfection for Community
Facilities that apply, which includes a wait time of 24
hours, or as long as practical.
After cleaning and disinfection, the following recommendations may help reduce
the risk to workers and other individuals when vacuuming:

Consider removing smaller rugs or carpets from the area completely, so there is less that needs to be vacuumed.
Use a vacuum equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, if available.
Do not vacuum a room or space that has people in it. Wait until the room or space is empty to vacuum, such as at night, for common spaces, or during the day for private rooms.
Consider temporarily turning off room fans and the central HVAC system that services the room or space, so that particles that escape from vacuuming will not circulate throughout the facility.


Frequently Asked Questions
Preparing Your Home and Family for COVID-19
What cleaning products should I use to protect against COVID-19?
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as tables, doorknobs,
light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets,
faucets, and sinks. If surfaces are dirty, clean them using detergent or soap
and water prior to disinfection. To disinfect, most common EPA-registered
household disinfectants will work. See CDC’s recommendations for household
cleaning and disinfection.


Frequently Asked Questions
In Case of an Outbreak in Your Community
What should I do if there is an outbreak in my community?
During an outbreak, stay calm and put your preparedness plan to work. Follow
the steps below:
Protect yourself and
others.

Stay home if you are sick. Keep away from people who are sick. Limit close contact with others as much as possible (about 6 feet).

Put your household plan into action.

Stay informed about the local COVID-19 situation. Be aware of temporary school dismissals in your area, as this may affect your household’s daily routine.

Continue practicing everyday preventive actions. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains 60% alcohol. Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily using a regular household detergent and water.

Notify your workplace as soon as possible if your regular work schedule changes. Ask to work from home or take leave if you or someone in your household gets sick with COVID-19 symptoms, or if your child’s school is dismissed temporarily. Learn how businesses and employers can plan for and respond to COVID-19.
Stay in touch with others by phone or email. If you have a chronic medical condition and live alone, ask family, friends, and health care providers to check on you during an outbreak. Stay in touch with family and friends, especially those at increased risk of developing severe illness, such as older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Funerals
What should I do if my family member died from COVID-19 while overseas?
When a US citizen dies outside the United States, the deceased person’s next
of kin or legal representative should notify US consular officials at the
Department of State. Consular personnel are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week, to provide assistance to US citizens for overseas emergencies. If a
family member, domestic partner, or legal representative is in a different
country from the deceased person, he or she should call the Department of
State’s Office of Overseas Citizens Services in Washington, DC, from 8 am to 5
pm Eastern time, Monday through Friday, at 888-407-4747 (toll-free) or
202-501-4444. For emergency assistance after working hours or on weekends and
holidays, call the Department of State switchboard at 202-647-4000 and ask to
speak with the Overseas Citizens Services duty officer. In addition, the US
embassyexternal iconexternal iconexternal icon
closest to or in the country where the US citizen died can provide assistance.


Frequently Asked Questions
How to Protect Yourself
How many cases have been reported in the United States?
COVID-19 case counts for the United States are updated regularly online. See
the current U.S. case count of
COVID-19.


Frequently Asked Questions
What CDC is Doing
What is CDC doing about COVID-19?
CDC is working with other federal partners in a whole-of-government response.
This is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation and CDC will continue to
provide updated information as it becomes available. CDC works 24/7 to protect
people’s health. More information about CDC’s response to
COVID-19 is available online.


Frequently Asked Questions
Higher Risk
How were the underlying conditions for people considered higher risk of serious illness with COVID-19 selected?
This list is based on:

What we are learning from the outbreak in other countries and in the United States.
What we know about risk from other respiratory infections, like flu.

As CDC gets more information about COVID-19 cases here in the United States,
we will update this list as needed.


Frequently Asked Questions
How to Protect Yourself
Should contact lens wearers take special precautions to prevent COVID-19?

Currently there is no evidence to suggest contact lens wearers are more at risk for acquiring COVID-19 than eyeglass wearers.
Contact lens wearers should continue to practice safe contact lens wear and care hygiene habits to help prevent against transmission of any contact lens-related infections, such as always washing hands with soap and water before handling lenses.
People who are healthy can continue to wear and care for their contact lenses as prescribed by their eye care professional.

Find more information about how coronavirus
spreads
and how to protect
yourself.
Visit CDC’s contact lens
website for more information on
healthy contact lens wear and care.


Frequently Asked Questions
Coronavirus Disease 2019 Basics
What is a novel coronavirus?
A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously
identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the
same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among
humans and cause mild illness,
like the common cold.
A diagnosis with coronavirus 229E, NL63, OC43, or HKU1 is not the same as a
COVID-19 diagnosis. Patients with COVID-19 will be evaluated and cared for
differently than patients with common coronavirus diagnosis.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Animals
Can bats in United States get the virus that causes COVID-19, and can they spread it back to people?
Other coronaviruses have been found in North American bats in the past, but
there is currently no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 is present
in any free-living wildlife in the United States, including bats. In general,
coronaviruses do not cause illness or death in bats, but we don’t yet know if
this new coronavirus would make North American species of bats sick. Bats are
an important part of natural ecosystems, and their populations are already
declining in the United States. Bat populations could be further threatened by
the disease itself or by harm inflicted on bats resulting from a misconception
that bats are spreading COVID-19. However, there is no evidence that bats in
the United States are a source of the virus that causes COVID-19 for people.
Further studies are needed to understand if and how bats could be affected by
COVID-19.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Animals
What animals can get COVID-19?
We don’t know for sure which animals can be infected with the virus that
causes COVID-19. CDC is aware of a small number of pets, including dogs and
cats, reported to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly
after close contact with people with COVID-19. A tiger at a zoo in New York
has also tested positive for the virus.
Recent research shows that ferrets, cats, and golden Syrian hamsters can be
experimentally infected with the virus and can spread the infection to other
animals of the same species in laboratory settings. Pigs, chickens, and ducks
did not become infected or spread the infection based on results from these
studies. Data from one study suggested dogs are not as likely to become
infected with the virus as cats and ferrets. These findings were based on a
small number of animals, and do not show whether animals can spread infection
to people.
At this time, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in
spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Based on the limited information
available to date, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is
considered to be low. Further studies are needed to understand if and how
different animals could be affected by the virus that causes COVID-19 and the
role animals may play in the spread of COVID-19.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Animals
Can I travel to the United States with dogs or import dogs into the United States during the COVID-19 outbreak?
Please refer to CDC’s requirements for bringing a dog to the United
States. The current requirements for rabies
vaccination apply to dogs imported from high-risk
countries for rabies.


Frequently Asked Questions
Symptoms & Testing
What are the symptoms and complications that COVID-19 can cause?
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from
mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after
exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fever
Chills
Muscle pain
Sore throat
New loss of taste or smell

Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally
have mild illness.
This list is not all inclusive. Other less common symptoms have been reported,
including gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Read about COVID-19 Symptoms.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Children
Are the symptoms of COVID-19 different in children than in adults?
No. The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar in children and adults. However,
children with confirmed COVID-19 have generally presented with mild symptoms.
Reported symptoms in children include cold-like symptoms, such as fever, runny
nose, and cough. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been reported. It’s not known
yet whether some children may be at higher risk for severe illness, for
example, children with underlying medical conditions and special healthcare
needs. There is much more to be learned about how the disease impacts
children.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Children
What steps should parents take to protect children during a community outbreak?
This is a new virus and we are still learning about it, but so far, there does
not seem to be a lot of illness in children. Most illness, including serious
illness, is happening in adults of working age and older adults. However,
children do get the virus and become ill. Many schools across the country have
announced dismissals for temporary periods. Keep track of school dismissals in
your community. Read or watch local media sources that report school
dismissals. If schools are dismissed temporarily, use alternative childcare
arrangements, if needed.
If your child/children become sick with COVID-19, notify their childcare
facility or school. Talk with teachers about classroom assignments and
activities they can do from home to keep up with their schoolwork.
Discourage children and teens from gathering in other public places while
school is dismissed to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community.


Frequently Asked Questions
How COVID-19 Spreads
Can someone who has been quarantined for COVID-19 spread the illness to others?
Quarantine means separating a person or group of people who have been exposed
to a contagious disease but have not developed illness (symptoms) from others
who have not been exposed, in order to prevent the possible spread of that
disease. Quarantine is usually established for the incubation period of the
communicable disease, which is the span of time during which people have
developed illness after exposure. For COVID-19, the period of quarantine is 14
days from the last date of exposure because the incubation period for this
virus is 2 to 14 days. Someone who has been released from COVID-19 quarantine
is not considered a risk for spreading the virus to others because they have
not developed illness during the incubation period.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Water
Should wastewater workers take extra precautions to protect themselves from the virus that causes COVID-19?
Recently, the virus that causes COVID-19 has been found in untreated
wastewater. While data are limited, there is no information to date that
anyone has become sick with COVID-19 because of exposure to wastewater.
Standard practices associated with wastewater treatment plant operations
should be sufficient to protect wastewater workers from the virus that causes
COVID-19. These standard practices can include engineering and administrative
controls, hygiene precautions, specific safe work practices, and personal
protective equipment
(PPE)
normally required when handling untreated wastewater. No additional
COVID-19–specific protections are recommended for workers involved in
wastewater management, including those at wastewater treatment facilities.


Frequently Asked Questions
How COVID-19 Spreads
Can mosquitoes or ticks spread the virus that causes COVID-19?
At this time, CDC has no data to suggest that this new coronavirus or other
similar coronaviruses are spread by mosquitoes or ticks. The main way that
COVID-19 spreads is from person to person. See How Coronavirus
Spreads for more information.


Frequently Asked Questions
Healthcare Professionals and Health Departments
What should healthcare professionals and health departments do?
For recommendations and guidance on persons under investigation; infection
control, including personal protective equipment guidance; home care and
isolation; and case investigation, see Information for Healthcare
Professionals. For information on specimen collection and shipment, see
Information for
Laboratories. For
information for public health professional on COVID-19, see Information for
Public Health
Professionals.


Frequently Asked Questions
Preparing Your Home and Family for COVID-19
How can I prepare for COVID-19 at work?
Plan for potential changes at your workplace. Talk to your employer about
their emergency operations plan, including sick-leave policies and telework
options. Learn how businesses and employers can plan for and respond to
COVID-19.


Frequently Asked Questions
Coronavirus Disease 2019 Basics
Why is the disease being called coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19?
On February 11, 2020 the World Health Organization
announced an
official name for the disease that is causing the 2019 novel coronavirus
outbreak, first identified in Wuhan China. The new name of this disease is
coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19. In COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands
for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for disease. Formerly, this disease
was referred to as “2019 novel coronavirus” or “2019-nCoV”.
There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause
mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused be a
novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. The
name of this disease was selected following the World Health Organization
(WHO) best practiceexternal iconexternal
icon
for naming of new human infectious diseases.


Frequently Asked Questions
How to Protect Yourself
Am I at risk for COVID-19 in the United States?
This is a rapidly evolving situation and the risk
assessment may change daily. The latest updates are
available on CDC’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) website.


Frequently Asked Questions
Cleaning and Disinfection
How effective are alternative disinfection methods, such as ultrasonic waves, high intensity UV radiation, and LED blue light?
The efficacy of these disinfection methods against the virus that causes
COVID-19 is not known. EPA only recommends use of the surface disinfectants
identified on List Nexternal icon against the virus
that causes COVID-19. EPA does not routinely review the safety or efficacy of
pesticidal devices, such as UV lights, LED lights, or ultrasonic devices.
Therefore, EPA cannot confirm whether, or under what circumstances, such
products might be effective against the spread of COVID-19.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Water
Can the COVID-19 virus spread through sewerage systems?
The virus that causes COVID-19 has been found in untreated wastewater.
Researchers do not know whether this virus can cause disease if a person is
exposed to untreated wastewater or sewerage systems. There is no evidence to
date that this has occurred. At this time, the risk of transmission of the
virus that causes COVID-19 through properly designed and maintained sewerage
systems is thought to be low.


Frequently Asked Questions
Coronavirus Disease 2019 Basics
How do CDC’s COVID-19 case numbers compare with those provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) or Johns Hopkins?
CDC’s COVID-19 case numbers include many publicly reported numbers, including
information from state, local, territorial, international and external
partners.


Frequently Asked Questions
Cleaning and Disinfection
What is the difference between cleaning and disinfecting?
Cleaning with soap and water removes germs, dirt, and impurities from
surfaces. It lowers the risk of spreading infection. Disinfecting kills
germs on surfaces. By killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can
further lower the risk of spreading infection.


Frequently Asked Questions
How COVID-19 Spreads
What is the source of the virus?
COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Coronaviruses are a
large family of viruses that are common in people and many different species
of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats. Rarely, animal
coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people. This occurred
with MERS-CoV and SARS-
CoV, and now with the virus that causes COVID-19. The SARS-
CoV-2 virus is a betacoronavirus, like MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV. All three of
these viruses have their origins in bats. The sequences from U.S. patients are
similar to the one that China initially posted, suggesting a likely single,
recent emergence of this virus from an animal reservoir. However, the exact
source of this virus is unknown.
More information about the source and spread of COVID-19 is available on the
Situation Summary: Source and Spread of the
Virus.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Children
What is multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and who is at risk?
CDC is working with state and local health departments to investigate reports
of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with
COVID-19 and gather more information as quickly as possible about how common
it is and who is at risk. As new information becomes available, we will
continue to provide information for parents and caregivers as well as
healthcare and public health professionals. MIS-C has been described as
inflammation (swelling) across multiple body systems, potentially including
the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, and gastrointestinal organs.
Signs and symptoms of MIS-C include fever and various symptoms such as
abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, neck pain, rash, and feeling tired.
If your child has any of these symptoms, other symptoms of
COVID-19, or other
concerning signs, contact your pediatrician. If your child is showing any
emergency warning signs including trouble breathing, persistent pain or
pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, bluish
lips or face, severe abdominal pain, or other concerning signs, seek
emergency care right away.


Frequently Asked Questions
How COVID-19 Spreads
How does the virus spread?
The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person to
person, mainly through respiratory droplets produced 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. Spread is more likely
when people are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community
(“community spread”) in many affected geographic
areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the
virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became
infected.
Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged
coronaviruses.


Frequently Asked Questions
Cleaning and Disinfection
Should outdoor playgrounds, like those at schools or in parks, be cleaned and disinfected to prevent COVID-19?
Outdoor areas generally require normal routine cleaning and do not require
disinfection. Spraying disinfectant on outdoor playgrounds is not an efficient
use of disinfectant supplies and has not been proven to reduce the risk of
COVID-19 to the public. You should maintain existing cleaning and hygiene
practices for outdoor areas. If practical, high touch surfaces made of plastic
or metal, such as grab bars and railings, should be cleaned routinely.
Cleaning and disinfection of wooden surfaces (e.g., play structures, benches,
tables) or groundcovers (e.g., mulch, sand) is not recommended.


Frequently Asked Questions
School Dismissals and Children
While school’s out, how can I keep my family healthy?

Watch your child for any signs of illness.
If you see any sign of illness consistent with symptoms of COVID-19, particularly fever, cough, or shortness of breath, call your healthcare provider and keep your child at home and away from others as much as possible. Follow CDC’s guidance on “What to do if you are sick.”

Watch for signs of stress in your child.
Some common changes to watch for include excessive worry or sadness, unhealthy eating or sleeping habits, and difficulty with attention and concentration. For more information, see the “For Parents” section on CDC’s website, Manage Anxiety and Stress.
Take time to talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak. Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child or teen can understand.
Go to CDC’s Helping Children Cope with Emergencies or Talking with Children About COVID-19 for more information.

Teach and reinforceeveryday preventive actions .
Parents and caretakers play an important role in teaching children to wash their hands. Explain that hand washing can keep them healthy and stop the virus from spreading to others.
Be a good role model—if you wash your hands often, they’re more likely to do the same.
Make handwashing a family activity.

Help your child stay active.
Encourage your child to play outdoors—it’s great for physical and mental health. Take a walk with your child or go on a bike ride.
Use indoor activity breaks (stretch breaks, dance breaks) throughout the day to help your child stay healthy and focused.

Help your child stay socially connected.
Reach out to friends and family via phone or video chats.
Write cards or letters to family members they may not be able to visit.
Some schools and non-profits, such as the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learningexternal iconexternal icon and The Yale Center for Emotional Intelligenceexternal iconexternal icon, have resources for social and emotional learning. Check to see if your school has tips and guidelines to help support social and emotional needs of your child.


Frequently Asked Questions
Cleaning and Disinfection
Is cleaning alone effective against the virus that causes COVID-19?
Cleaning does not kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers
and the risk of spreading infection. If a surface may have gotten the virus on
it from a person with or suspected to have COVID-19, the surface should be
cleaned and disinfected. Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces.


Frequently Asked Questions
Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs
What additional steps should families that have a child with an underlying medical condition or special health care need take?
In addition to following the recommendations to prevent getting
sick and running
essential errands, families should take extra steps recommended for persons with
higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness and steps outlined for those with
potential COVID-19 exposure or confirmed
illness.

Identify potential alternative caregivers, if you or other regular caregivers become sick and are unable to care for your child. If possible, these alternative caregivers would not be at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 themselves.
Try to have at least one month of medication and medical supplies on hand. Some health plans allow for a 90-day supply of prescription medications. Consider discussing this option with your child’s healthcare provider.
Review any care plans for your child, such as an asthma action plan, and make sure caregivers and backup caregivers are familiar with these plans.
If you do not have care plans or an emergency notebook, try to make them. They typically include important information about your child’s medical conditions, how to manage those conditions, how to get in touch with your child’s doctors, allergies, information on medications (names, dosages, and administration instructions), preferences (food and other) or special needs, daily routines and activities, friends, and details about routines that are important to support behavioral and emotional health.
Learn if your child’s healthcare providers, including doctors and therapists, have new ways to be contacted or new ways of providing appointments. If they offer telemedicine visits, find out how those are arranged and any additional information you need.
If your child receives any support care services in the home that need to be continued, make plans for what you will do if those direct care providers get sick, or if persons in your household are sick.
Discuss with the support care agencies and the providers ways to minimize risk for exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.
If your child or other persons in your household are sick with COVID-19 and are able to recover at home, inform your direct care providers and consider postponing or rescheduling services until the criteria for discontinuing home isolation have been met.
Ask service providers if they are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, or if they have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19.
Tell the service provider to:
Wear a cloth face covering if they will be close (less than 6 feet) to you or persons in your household. Their cloth face covering helps protect you if they are infected but do not have symptoms.
Ask them to wash their hands with soap and water or, if unavailable, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when they enter your home, before and after helping your child (dressing, bathing/showering, transferring, toileting and/or diapering, feeding), after handling tissues, and after changing linens or doing laundry. Learn more about proper handwashing.
Service providers and families should:
Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, bedside tables), and equipment such as wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, oxygen tanks and tubing, communication boards, and other assistive devices. Refer to CDC’s recommendations for Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Home.


Frequently Asked Questions
Higher Risk
What about underlying medical conditions that are not included on this list?
Based on available information, adults aged 65 years and older and people of
any age with underlying medical conditions included on this list are at higher
risk for severe illness and poorer outcomes from COVID-19. CDC is collecting
and analyzing data regularly and will update the list when we learn more.
People with underlying medical conditions not on the list might also be at
higher risk and should consult with their healthcare provider if they are
concerned.
We encourage all people, regardless of risk, to:

Take steps to protect yourself and others.
Call your healthcare provider if you are sick with a fever, cough, or shortness of breath.
Follow CDC travel guidelines and the recommendations of your state and local health officials.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Animals
Why are animals being tested when many people can’t get tested?
Animals are only being tested in very rare circumstances. Routine testing of
animals is not recommended at this time, and any tests done on animals are
done on a case by case basis. For example, if the pet of a COVID-19 patient
has a new, concerning illness with symptoms similar to those of COVID-19, the
animal’s veterinarian might consult with public health and animal health
officials to determine if testing is needed.


Frequently Asked Questions
How COVID-19 Spreads
Can the virus that causes COVID-19 be spread through food, including restaurant take out, refrigerated or frozen packaged food?
Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread from person to person through
respiratory droplets. Currently, there is no evidence to support transmission
of COVID-19 associated with food. Before preparing or eating food it is
important to always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20
seconds for general food safety. Throughout the day use a tissue to cover your
coughing or sneezing, and wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing or
sneezing, or going to the bathroom.
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or
object, like a packaging container, that has 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.
In general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces,
there is likely very low risk of spread from food products or packaging.
Learn what is known about the spread of
COVID-19.


Frequently Asked Questions
How to Protect Yourself
Is it safe to get care for my other medical conditions during this time?

It is important to continue taking care of your health and wellness. If you have a chronic health problem, you may be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Below are some things you can to do to take care of your health during this time.
Continue your medications, and do not change your treatment plan without talking to your healthcare provider.
Continue to manage your disease the way your healthcare provider has told you.
Have at least a 2-week supply of all prescription and non-prescription medications. Talk to your healthcare provider, insurer, and pharmacist about getting an extra supply of prescription medications, if possible, to reduce trips to the pharmacy.
Talk to your healthcare provider about whether your vaccinations are up-to-date. People aged 65 years or older, and those with some underlying medical conditions, are recommended to receive vaccinations against influenza and pneumococcal disease as soon as your provider tells you that can.
Call your healthcare provider
if you have any concerns about your medical conditions, or if you get sick.
to find out about different ways you can connect with your healthcare provider for chronic disease management or other conditions. Ask about phone calls, video appointments, use of the patient portal, emails and mailings. Learn more about telehealth hereexternal icon.

Do not delay getting emergency care for your health problems or any health condition that requires immediate attention.
If you need emergency help, call 911.
Emergency departments have infection prevention plans to protect you from getting COVID-19 if you need care for your medical condition.

Continue to practice everyday prevention: wash your hands often, keep space between yourself and others, cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around other people, cover coughs and sneezes, and clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces often.


Frequently Asked Questions
Preparing Your Home and Family for COVID-19
Should I make my own hand sanitizer if I can’t find it in the stores?
CDC recommends handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or,
using alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and
water are not available. These actions are part of everyday preventive
actions individuals can take to slow the spread of respiratory
diseases like COVID-19.

When washing hands, you can use plain soap or antibacterial soap. Plain soap is as effective as antibacterial soap at removing germs.
If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an FDA-approved alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. You can tell if the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol by looking at the product label.

CDC does not encourage the production and use of homemade hand sanitizer
products because of concerns over the correct use of the ingredientsexternal
iconexternal icon and the need to
work under sterile conditions to make the product. Local industries that are
looking into producing hand sanitizer to fill in for commercial shortages can
refer to the World Health Organization guidancepdf iconexternal iconpdf
iconexternal
icon.
Organizations should revert to the use of commercially produced, FDA-approved
product once such supplies again become available.

To be effective against killing some types of germs, hand sanitizers need to have a strength of at least 60% alcohol and be used when hands are not visibly dirty or greasy.
Do not rely on “Do It Yourself” or “DIY” recipes based solely on essential oils or formulated without correct compounding practices.
Do not use hand sanitizer to disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects. See CDC’s information for cleaning and sanitizing your home.

See FAQs about hand hygiene for healthcare personnel responding to
COVID-2019.


Frequently Asked Questions
Community Mitigation
Who is involved in community mitigation actions?
Individuals, communities, schools, businesses and healthcare organizations all
have a role to play in community mitigation. Policies*, which include limits
on large gatherings, restrictions on businesses, and school closures are often
needed to fully put in place community mitigation strategies.
Each community is unique. Because some actions can be very disruptive to daily
life, mitigation activities will be different depending on how much disease
has spread within the community, what the community population is like, and
the ability to take these actions at the local level. To identify appropriate
activities, all parts of a community that might be impacted need to be
considered, including populations most vulnerable to severe
illness, and those who might be more impacted socially or economically.
When selecting mitigation activities, states and communities need to consider
the spread of disease locally, characteristics of the people who live in the
community (for example, age groups, languages spoken, overall health status),
and the kind of public health resources and healthcare systems (like
hospitals) that are available in the community. State and local officials may
need to adjust community mitigation activities and immediately take steps to
scale them up or down depending on the changing local situation.
Putting mitigation into practice is based on:

Emphasizing individual responsibility for taking recommended personal-level actions
Empowering businesses, schools, and community organizations to take recommended actions, particularly in ways that protect persons at increased risk of severe illness
Focusing on settings that provide critical infrastructure or services to individuals at increased risk of severe illness
Minimizing disruptions to daily life to the extent possible

*CDC cannot address the policies of any business or organization. CDC shares recommendations based on the best available science to help people make decisions that improve their health and safety. In all cases, follow the guidance of your healthcare provider and local health department. Local decisions depend on local circumstances.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Animals
Are pets from a shelter safe to adopt?
Based on the limited information available to date, the risk of animals
spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low. There is no reason to
think that any animals, including shelter pets, play a significant role in
spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.


Frequently Asked Questions
Symptoms & Testing
What is antibody testing? And can I be tested using this method?
Antibody testing checks a sample of a person’s blood to look for antibodies to
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. These antibodies are produced when
someone has been infected, so a positive result from this test indicates that
person was previously infected with the virus.
CDC is working with other federal agencies to evaluate the performance of
commercially manufactured antibody tests that are becoming increasingly
available from healthcare providers. This evaluation is expected to be
completed in early May.
We do not know yet if the antibodies that result from infection with SARS-
CoV-2 can protect someone from reinfection with this virus (immunity) or how
long antibodies to the virus will protect someone. Scientists are conducting
research to answer those questions.
Antibody tests may not be able to tell you if you are currently infected
because it typically takes 1 to 3 weeks to develop antibodies to SARS-CoV-2.
To tell if you are currently infected, you would need a test that identifies
the virus in samples from your upper respiratory system, such as a
nasopharyngeal swab.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Children
What is the risk of my child becoming sick with COVID-19?
Based on available evidence, children do not appear to be at higher risk for
COVID-19 than adults. While some children and infants have been sick with
COVID-19, adults make up most of the known cases to date. You can learn more
about who is at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 at People who
are at higher risk for severe
illness.


Frequently Asked Questions
How COVID-19 Spreads
Why are we seeing a rise in cases?
The number of cases of
COVID-19 being reported in the United States is rising due to increased
laboratory testing and reporting across the country. The growing
number of cases in part reflects the rapid spread of COVID-19 as many U.S.
states and territories experience community spread. More detailed and accurate
data will allow us to better understand and track the size and scope of the
outbreak and strengthen prevention and response efforts.


Frequently Asked Questions
How to Protect Yourself
Does CDC recommend the use of facemask or face coverings to prevent COVID-19?
In light of data about how COVID-19 spreads, along with evidence of widespread
COVID-19 illness in communities across the country, CDC recommends that people
wear a cloth face
covering to cover their nose and mouth in the community
setting. This is an additional public health measure people should take to
reduce the spread of COVID-19 in addition to (not instead of) social
distancing, frequent hand cleaning and other everyday preventive actions. A
cloth face covering is not intended to protect the wearer, but may prevent the
spread of virus from the wearer to others. This would be especially important
in the event that someone is infected but does not have symptoms. A cloth face
covering should be worn whenever people must go into public settings (grocery
stores, for example). Medical masks and N-95 respirators are reserved for
healthcare workers and other first responders, as recommended by current CDC
guidance.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Funerals
Am I at risk if I go to a funeral or visitation service for someone who died of COVID-19?
There is currently no known risk associated with being in the same room at a
funeral or visitation service with the body of someone who died of COVID-19.


Frequently Asked Questions
Higher Risk
Are people with disabilities at higher risk?
Most people with disabilities are not inherently at higher risk for becoming
infected with or having severe illness from COVID-19. Some people with
physical limitations or other disabilities might be at a higher risk of
infection because of their underlying medical condition.

People with certain disabilities might experience higher rates of chronic health conditions that put them at higher risk of serious illness and poorer outcomes from COVID-19. Adults with disabilities are three times more likely to have heart disease, stroke, diabetes, or cancer than adults without disabilities.

You should talk with your healthcare provider if you have a question about
your health or how your health condition is being managed.


Frequently Asked Questions
Cleaning and Disinfection
How long do companies need to close for disinfection after an exposure? How long before other workers can come back to work?
Companies do not necessarily need to close after a person with confirmed or
suspected COVID-19 has been in a company facility. The area(s) used or visited
by the ill person should be closed for 24 hours or as long as possible. Open
outside doors and windows as much as possible ensuring that doing so does not
pose a safety risk to children using the facility (i.e. make sure that
children are not able to enter the closed off area through any windows or
doors). and use ventilating fans to increase air circulation in the area. Once
the area has been appropriately
disinfected, it can be opened for use. Workers without close contact with
the person with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 can return to work immediately
after disinfection is completed.


Frequently Asked Questions
Symptoms & Testing
Is it possible to have the flu and COVID-19 at the same time?
It is possible to test positive for flu (as well as other respiratory
pathogens) and the virus that causes COVID-19 at the same time.


Frequently Asked Questions
Symptoms & Testing
If I have recovered from COVID-19, will I be immune to it?
CDC and partners are investigating to determine if you can get sick with
COVID-19 more than once. At this time, we are not sure if you can become re-
infected. Until we know more, continue to take steps to protect yourself and
others.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Hypertension
Are people with high blood pressure (hypertension) at higher risk from COVID-19?
At this time, we do not think that people with high blood pressure and no
other underlying health conditions are more likely than others to get severely
ill from COVID-19. Although many people who have gotten severely ill from
COVID-19 have high blood pressure, they are often older or have other medical
conditions like obesity, diabetes, and serious heart conditions that place
them at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
If you have high blood pressure, it’s critically important that you keep your
blood pressure under control to lower your risk for heart disease and strokes.
Take your blood pressure medications as directed, keep a log of your blood
pressure every day if you are able to take your blood pressure at home, and
work with your healthcare team to make sure your blood pressure is well
controlled. Any changes to your medications should be made in consultation
with your healthcare team.


Frequently Asked Questions
Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs
How can my family cope with the added stress?
Supporting children with special healthcare needs can put additional demands
and stress on families, especially during emergency situations. You have
likely found ways to manage the stress and challenges unique to your family’s
situation. It is important to continue your family’s coping methods, including
reaching out to other family members, friends, support groups, and
organizations that have been helpful in the past.
See information on ways to cope with stress (such as visiting parks, trails,
or open spaces) and
making your family stronger.
If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like
sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or
others:

Call 911
Visit the Disaster Distress Helplineexternal icon, call 1-800-985-5990, or text TalkWithUs to 66746
Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotlineexternal icon or call 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Water
Can the virus that causes COVID-19 spread through drinking water?
The virus that causes COVID-19 has not been detected in drinking water.
Conventional water treatment methods that use filtration and disinfection,
such as those in most municipal drinking water systems, should remove or
inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.


Frequently Asked Questions
School Dismissals and Children
While school’s out, how can I help my child continue learning?

Stay in touch with your child’s school.
Many schools are offering lessons online (virtual learning). Review assignments from the school, and help your child establish a reasonable pace for completing the work. You may need to assist your child with turning on devices, reading instructions, and typing answers.
Communicate challenges to your school. If you face technology or connectivity issues, or if your child is having a hard time completing assignments, let the school know.

Create a schedule and routine for learning at home, but remain flexible.
Have consistent bedtimes, and get up at the same time, Monday through Friday.
Structure the day for learning, free time, healthy meals and snacks, and physical activity.
Allow flexibility in the schedule—it’s okay to adapt based on your day.

Consider the needs and adjustment required for your child’s age group.
The transition to being at home will be different for preschoolers, K-5, middle school students, and high school students. Talk to your child about expectations and how they are adjusting to being at home versus at school.
Consider ways your child can stay connected with their friends without spending time in person.

Look for ways to make learning fun.
Have hands-on activities, like puzzles, painting, drawing, and making things.
Independent play can also be used in place of structured learning. Encourage children to build a fort from sheets or practice counting by stacking blocks.
Practice handwriting and grammar by writing letters to family members. This is a great way to connect and limit face-to-face contact.
Start a journal with your child to document this time and discuss the shared experience.
Use audiobooks or see if your local library is hosting virtual or live-streamed reading events.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Water
Can the virus that causes COVID-19 spread through pools, hot tubs, spas, and water play areas?
While there is ongoing community
spread of COVID-19 of the virus that causes COVID-19, it is important for
individuals as well as owners and operators of these facilities to take steps
to ensure health and safety:


Frequently Asked Questions
In Case of an Outbreak in Your Community
Should I go to work if there is an outbreak in my community?
Follow the advice of your local health officials. Stay home if you can. Talk
to your employer to discuss working from home, taking leave if you or someone
in your household gets sick with COVID-19
symptoms, or
if your child’s school is dismissed temporarily. Employers should be aware
that more employees may need to stay at home to care for sick children or
other sick family members than is usual in case of a community outbreak.


Frequently Asked Questions
Preparing Your Home and Family for COVID-19
Should I use soap and water or a hand sanitizer to protect against COVID-19?
Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from
getting sick. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20
seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to
the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food. If soap and water are not
readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60%
alcohol.


Frequently Asked Questions
School Dismissals and Children
While school’s out, can my child hang out with their friends?

The key to slowing the spread of COVID-19 is to practice social distancing. While school is out, children should not have in-person playdates with children from other households. If children are playing outside their own homes, it is essential that they remain 6 feet from anyone who is not in their own household.
To help children maintain social connections while social distancing, help your children have supervised phone calls or video chats with their friends.
Make sure children practice everyday preventive behaviors, such as washing their hands often with soap and water. Remember, if children meet outside of school in groups, it can put everyone at risk.
Revise spring break plans if they included non-essential travel.

Information about COVID-19 in children is somewhat limited, but current data suggest children with COVID-19 may have only mild symptoms. However, they can still pass this virus onto others who may be at higher risk, including older adults and people who have serious underlying medical conditions.


Frequently Asked Questions
Symptoms & Testing
Where can I get tested for COVID-19?
The process and locations for testing vary from place to place. Contact your
state, local, tribal, or territorial department for more information, or reach
out to a medical provider. State and local public health departments have
received tests from CDC while medical providers are getting tests developed by
commercial manufacturers. While supplies of these tests are increasing, it may
still be difficult to find someplace to get tested. See Testing for
COVID-19 for more information.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Animals
Can I get COVID-19 from my pets or other animals?
At this time, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in
spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Based on the limited information
available to date, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is
considered to be low. A small number of pets have been reported to be infected
with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after contact with people with
COVID-19.
Pets have other types of coronaviruses that can make them sick, like canine
and feline coronaviruses. These other coronaviruses cannot infect people and
are not related to the current COVID-19 outbreak.
However, since animals can spread other diseases to people, it’s always a good
idea to practice healthy
habits
around pets and other animals, such as washing your hands and maintaining good
hygiene. For more information on the many benefits of pet ownership, as well
as staying safe and healthy around animals including pets, livestock, and
wildlife, visit CDC’s Healthy Pets, Healthy People
website.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Animals
Can animals carry the virus that causes COVID-19 on their skin or fur?
Although we know certain bacteria and fungi can be carried on fur and hair,
there is no evidence that viruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19,
can spread to people from the skin, fur, or hair of pets.
However, because animals can sometimes carry other germs that can make people
sick, it’s always a good idea to practice healthy
habits
around pets and other animals, including washing hands before and after
interacting with them.


Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Hypertension
Should I continue to take my blood pressure medication?
Yes. Continue to take your blood pressure medications exactly as prescribed
and make lifestyle modifications agreed upon in your treatment plan. Continue
all your regular medications, including angiotensin-converting enzyme
inhibitors (ACE-Is) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), as prescribed by
your healthcare team. This is recommended by current clinical
guidelines from the American Heart Association, the Heart Failure Society of
America, and the American College of Cardiology.