Prevention

There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19. Protect yourself and others with these tips:

As of July 16, face coverings are now required in areas open to the public and in most place of public accommodation in Springfield, with limited exceptions. You can read more about masking by clicking here. 

• Follow recommendations for using a face mask:
  • CDC recommends that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
  • Face coverings may help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others.
  • Face coverings should NOT be worn by children under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
• Wash your hands often.
  • Especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
  • Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • 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.
• Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• If you are sick:
  • Stay home
  • Practice good respiratory hygiene (cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash)
  • Wash hands often
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces or objects often using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe (click here for the EPA’s list of cleaning agents tested for use against the novel coronavirus)