best physician doctors near me What precautions can I take to avoid contracting COVID-19 Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. Avoid touching your eye nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Maintain at least 1 meter distance between yourself and other people, particularly those who are coughing, sneezing and have a fever. Wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.