COVID-19 spreads from person to person, mainly by the following routes:

• Through the respiratory system

• Hand to hand contact

• Contaminated surface contact

Wearing a mask, social distancing and frequently washing your hands are proven protective methods for yourself and others. Fighting this disease is our joint responsibility.

The official recommendations are that everybody wears a mask out in public. Some are confused over the rules, so here at Bristol Black Carers, we’d like to clarify why it’s so important.

It is important to remember ‘hands, face, space.’

• Wash your hands often for 20 seconds each time

• Wear a face covering indoors where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet

• Stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings).

Why Wear a Mask?

The main function of wearing a mask is to protect those around you, in case you are infected but not showing symptoms. Your face covering should be worn over your nose and mouth.

Masks should still be worn in addition to staying at least 6 feet apart.

According to the CDC, COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets. Respiratory droplets travel through the air when you cough, sneeze, talk, shout, or sing. Masks are a simple barrier to help prevent your respiratory droplets from reaching others.

You should wear a mask, even if you do not feel poorly. Several studies have found that people with COVID-19 who never develop symptoms (asymptomatic) and those who are not yet showing symptoms (pre-symptomatic) can still spread the virus to others.

It is especially important to wear a mask when you are unable to stay 6 feet apart from others since the virus spreads mainly among people who are in close contact with one another.

Get Social Distancing Right

When meeting people you do not live with, it is important to do so outdoors where possible, or to make sure that any indoor venue has good ventilation / open windows.

We all miss human contact, but it is crucial to stick to these rules when it comes to gestures like handshakes and hugging.

How To Reduce Cross Infection

By actively doing the following, you will risk the possibility of spreading the virus, keeping yourself and those around you safe.

• Clean your hands often

• Cough or sneeze in your bent elbow - not your hands

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth

• Limit social gatherings

• Avoid close contact with someone who is sick

Here, find information regarding the rules changing from 29th March.

Stay safe everybody.