Subject: ACL.gov/COVID-19: Info for Older Adults and People with Disabilities
At this time, CDC recommends that everyone, regardless of age or disability, take the same precautions to avoid illness. These include the following everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of all respiratory diseases, including colds and flu:
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Staying home when you are sick.
Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in the trash.
Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Following CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
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.
For more information, see CDC’s Handwashing website
For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Setting