The coronavirus spreads similar to the flu or the common cold.

The best way to protect yourself is to stay away from sick people and practice good handwashing.

1) Practice good hand washing and keep hand sanitizer on your person.

Wash your hands thoroughly after leaving any public place and after handling money. Keep your hands away from your face in public ntil you have washed your hands.

2) Sanitize regularly.

Wipe down frequently touched surfaces regularly with antibacterial soap, alcohol, or clorox solution. These surfaces include, but are not limited to your car steering wheel, car door handles, door knobs, cellphones and tablets. The coronavirus can live up to 5 days on surfaces.

2) Shelter in at home when possible.

Change your routine. This is not the time for gathering and socializing. Venture out only when necessary for work, gathering supplies, and medical reasons. Wear a protective mask in public.

Utilize phones, facetime, skype or other services to socialize with friends and family.

3) Minimize trips to stores

Prepare list for focused shopping and reducing the need to return to the store unnecessarily.

4) If you or a family member is in the high risk category, consider having your groceries and supplies delivered to minimize exposure.

Older people and people with under-lying conditions are considered at high risk for getting severely-ill with COVID-19. Limit your exposure to crowds at all cost.

If you have senior parents or grandparents, offer to pick-up there supplies on your supply runs.