Protecting Your Household — a COVID-19 Checklist

Editor’s note: This content is published on behalf of the Indio Content Team in response to the COVID-19. To see related resources, visit our COVID-19 Resource Center.

The COVID-19 outbreak could last for a long time in your community. Public health officials are recommending actions designed to help keep people healthy, reduce exposures and slow the spread of the disease. You are strongly encouraged to follow all guidance provided by your local public health experts.

Use this checklist to help protect yourself and those in your household while the outbreak persists.

• Stay home from work, school and all activities when you're sick.
• Keep away from others who are sick.
• Limit close contact with others as much as possible (stay at least 6 feet apart).
• Stay informed. Get up-to-date information about local outbreak activity from media reports and public health officials.
• Practice preventive actions.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or use the inside of your elbow. Dispose of the tissue immediately; don’t reuse.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains 60% alcohol.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects daily using a regular household detergent and water. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface. 
  • Keep cellphones, TV remotes and other electronics sanitized with alcohol wipes or as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Use a separate room and bathroom for sick household members (if possible).
  • Avoid sharing personal items like food and drinks.
  • Provide your sick household member with clean disposable facemasks to wear at home.
  • Clean and disinfect the sick room and bathroom, as necessary, to avoid unnecessary contact with the sick person. If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent and water before disinfection. 
• Stay in touch with others by phone or email.
• Take care of the emotional health of your household members. COVID-19 can be stressful for adults and children. Talk with your children about the outbreak; try to stay calm and reassure them that they are safe.
• Notify your workplace as soon as possible if your schedule changes. Ask to work from home or take leave if you or someone in your household gets sick or if your child’s school is dismissed temporarily.
• If your child/children become sick, notify their child care facility or school. Talk with teachers about classroom assignments and activities they can do from home to keep up with their schoolwork.
• Keep track of school closures in your community. Read or watch local media sources that report school dismissals. If schools are closed temporarily, use alternative child care arrangements, if needed.
• Discourage children and teens from gathering in public places while school is dismissed to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

Business Continuity, Blog, 2020