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The Global Insight

What preventative measures can I take against the coronavirus disease?

Author

Sarah Garza

Updated on February 11, 2026

To prevent infection and to slow transmission of COVID-19, do the following:

  • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or clean them with alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Maintain at least 1 metre distance between you and people coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoid touching your face.
  • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
  • Stay home if you feel unwell.
  • Refrain from smoking and other activities that weaken the lungs.
  • Practice physical distancing by avoiding unnecessary travel and staying away from large groups of people.

    What is the minimum distance to be kept from each other to avoid COVID-19?

    Be a hero and break the chain of COVID-19 transmission by practicing physical distancing. This means we keep a distance of at least 1m from each other and avoid spending time in crowded places or in groups.

    What are the factors that can determine transmission risk of COVID-19?

    Factors that determine transmission risk include whether a virus is still replication-competent, whether the patient has symptoms, such as a cough, which can spread infectious droplets, and the behavior and environmental factors associated with the infected individual.

    What are the strategies implemented for the control of the COVID-19 pandemic?

    See full answerStrategies in the control of an outbreak are screening, containment (or suppression), and mitigation. Screening is done with a device such as a thermometer to detect the elevated body temperature associated with fevers caused by the coronavirus.[185] Containment is undertaken in the early stages of the outbreak and aims to trace and isolate those infected as well as introduce other measures to stop the disease from spreading. When it is no longer possible to contain the disease, efforts then move to the mitigation stage: measures are taken to slow the spread and mitigate its effects on the healthcare system and society. A combination of both containment and mitigation measures may be undertaken at the same time.[186] Suppression requires more extreme measures so as to reverse the pandemic by reducing the basic reproduction number to less than 1.[187]

    What is social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic?

    Individuals may apply social distancing methods by staying at home, limiting travel, avoiding crowded areas, using no-contact greetings, and physically distancing themselves from others. Many governments are now mandating or recommending social distancing in regions affected by the outbreak.

    Can the COVID-19 survive in drinking water?

    Currently, there is no evidence about the survival of the COVID-19 virus in drinking-water or sewage.

    How does COVID-19 spread?

    • Current evidence suggests that the virus spreads mainly between people who are in close contact with each other, typically within 1 metre (short-range). A person can be infected when aerosols or droplets containing the virus are inhaled or come directly into contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth.

    Which types of settings does COVID-19 spread more easily?

    The “Three C’s” are a useful way to think about this. They describe settings where transmission of the COVID-19 virus spreads more easily:• Crowded places;• Close-contact settings, especially where people have conversations very near each other;• Confined and enclosed spaces with poor ventilation.