Coronavirus: Twelve tips to protect against infection

When sneezing, coughing and talking, tiny droplets are emitted. If they come into contact with respiratory mucous membranes of other people, they can transmit the disease. The highest risk is in direct contact between people. Indirect infection via objects is also not excluded.

• Limit contact: Every time you meet others, you run the risk of becoming infected or spreading the virus.
• Keep your distance: If possible, do not come closer than two meters to other people - even when shopping and on public transport.
• Wear mouth-nose protection: Masks are generally mandatory on trains, public transportation, while shopping, at events outside the seat, and at schools outside the classroom. Wearing a mask indoors is always useful when the distance rules to other people cannot be observed.
• Do not address others directly: Even though it may seem impolite, turn your head slightly away from the person you are talking to.
• Follow sneezing and coughing etiquette: Keep your hands away from your mouth and nose. Sneeze and cough only into the crook of the elbow or into disposable tissues. Wash hands afterwards.
• Do not shake hands: Absolutely refrain from shaking hands. A friendly greeting will suffice.
• Wash hands regularly: It is best to wash your hands after coming home, before contact with food, before eating and after going to the toilet. A thorough cleaning takes about 30 seconds. Moisten hands under running, lukewarm water. Use soap and soap your hands thoroughly with it - also between the fingers and on the surface. Rub for about 20 seconds. Rinse soap thoroughly and dry hands. If possible, use liquid soap (detergents) and disposable hand towels. Alternatively, a bar of soap can be used in the home. Soap and detergents damage the viral envelope, the pathogen is inactivated, even if only cold water is available. Very hot water offers no advantage and harms the skin.
• Do not put your hands on your face: Do not touch mouth, nose and eyes with unwashed hands.
• Do not eat with your fingers: Do not put food in your mouth with your fingers while on the road - no candy, no piece of cake, no fried sausage. Better to use cutlery or napkin.
• Do not touch shopping carts, door handles and railings: Avoid contact with objects that many other people have touched. It is still unclear how long corona viruses can survive on surfaces.
• Avoid trips that are not absolutely necessary: Travel only when absolutely necessary, especially because of close contact with other travelers - for example, on airplanes. In particular, vacation trips to so-called risk areas carry a high risk of infection.
• Clean smartphone: Bacteria and viruses collect especially on the display. Caution: Liquids containing alcohol can attack the surface. This also applies to many hygienic wipes. Only use agents without alcohol and do not wipe too wet. Dry cleaning is also better than none.