The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has offered the following steps to protect yourself from the coronavirus.

•Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

•If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

•Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

•Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

•Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

•If you are sick, you should wear a face mask when you are around other people.

•If you are not sick, you do not need to wear a face mask unless you are caring for someone who is sick. Face masks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.

•Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks.