Dr. Fauci Says Here's How You'll Never Catch COVID-19
With deadly coronavirus outbreaks in the South and Midwest—and potentially spreading across the United States—all eyes are on Dr. Anthony Fauci, the country's leading infectious disease expert. The director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases gave the keynote remarks at the American Association for Cancer Research and revealed "some public health measures that are broadly applicable" and some "personal preventative measures." Click through to see how you can protect yourself from coronavirus using his essential advice.
Avoiding Close Contact
Fauci reiterated two words he has spoken before: "Avoid crowds" as well as mass gatherings and stay "more than six feet away" from other people. Because the virus spreads via droplets expelled from your mouth and nose, reducing close contact with other people is key.
Covering Sneezes/Coughs
Practice good "respiratory hygiene" begs Fauci. Again, every time you expel droplets from your face, you could be putting someone else in danger.
Covering Mouth and Nose with a Mask
"…or cloth face cover," Fauci advises. They have been proven by the CDC to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
Diligent Hand Washing
Wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds or more, or about the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice. Fauci called this kind of advice "common sense."
Avoiding Face Touching
By touching your face, you give the virus a direct route into your body through your eyes, mouth or nose. Don't do it.
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Regular Cleaning/Disinfecting of Frequently Touched Objects
Your phone, doorknobs and face mask—all things you touch regularly throughout the day—may carry the virus. Clean them regularly using a product like Clorox Disinfecting Wipes.
Social/Physical Distancing Orders
In a section about "some public health measures that are broadly applicable," Fauci again said avoiding crowds is key. In this context, he meant authorities should tell their constituents not to meet.
Stay-at-Home Orders
New York City, in a state Fauci has admired for its response to COVID-19, issued a stay-at-home order and, despite leading the country in deaths and cases, now has the virus seemingly under control.
School, Venue and Non-Essential Business Closure
Fauci has been clear before about his thoughts on non-essential businesses, especially one in particular: "Bars: really not good, really not good. Congregation at a bar, inside, is bad news. We really have got to stop that," he said.
Bans on Public Gatherings
Again, gatherings inevitably lead to close contact with people you don't know, thus leading to coronavirus spread.
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Travel Restriction with Exit and/or Entry Screening
New York has issued a quarantine directive to people coming in from hotspots like Florida and Texas. Meanwhile, the EU is limiting travel from the U.S.
Aggressive Case Identification and Isolation
Workplaces, schools and even some stores are instituting temperature checks and isolation rooms for people who may spread the virus.
Contact Tracing and Quarantine
This testing method involves identifying anyone who has been exposed to the virus and isolating them until it can be proved they aren't infected. Fauci has said this effort was "not going well" in the United States.
As for yourself: To get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don't miss these 37 Places You're Most Likely to Catch Coronavirus.
