Prevention suggestions include good hygiene, such as washing hands when appropriate, avoiding touching the eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands, coughing/sneezing into a tissue and putting the tissue directly into a dustbin and (for those who may already have the infection) wearing a surgical mask in public. Social distancing measures are also recommended to prevent transmission.
Many governments advise against all non-essential travel to countries and areas affected by the outbreak.
Hand washing is recommended to prevent the spread of the disease. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the toilet or when hands are visibly dirty; before eating; and after blowing one's nose, coughing, or sneezing. It further recommended using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol by volume when soap and water are not readily available. The WHO also advises people to avoid touching the eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Government health agencies recommend that individuals self-isolate if they develop a continuous cough or a high-temperature fever. The self-isolation period should last for at least 14 days but preferably longer.[232] Additionally, individuals who have recently travelled to a country with widespread transmission or who have been in direct contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 have also been asked by some government health agencies to self-quarantine or practise social distancing for 14 days from the time of last possible exposure.