How to Protect Yourself and Others

Wear a Face Covering

Wear a face covering to help protect others in case you’re infected with COVID-19 but don’t have symptoms.

• Make sure your mouth and nose are fully covered.
• Wash your hands before putting on your face covering and after removing it.
• The covering should fit snugly against your face, without gaps.
• You should not have difficulty breathing while wearing the face covering.
• Avoid touching your face covering with your hands. 
• Wash your face covering regularly—daily and whenever soiled—with water and a mild detergent, and dry completely

Physical Distancing

We’re a community that looks out for each other. Together, we will engage in physical distancing practices and also support our peers and colleagues in this practice.

• Physical distancing and limiting face-to-face contact with others is the best way to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Keeping at least 6 feet apart is one of our best tools to stay healthy. 
• On campus, physical distancing guidelines will be clearly marked and updated as needed. 
• Maintaining a safe distance will be important in all locations, including classes, study rooms, waiting areas for public transportation, and even in line at a coffee shop. While challenging, this practice will help reduce the spread of the virus.
• Follow signs that direct traffic flow in hallways and stairwells.
• Follow capacity limits for campus transportation and buildings.
• Follow elevator signs for capacity. Board an elevator only if you feel comfortable with occupancy.
• Eliminate physical contact (skip those introductory handshakes).

Keep Hands Clean

Handwashing is a powerful prevention tool and is even more effective when combined with additional protections like wearing a face covering.

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use running water and a clean towel, or air dry them so you do not reintroduce the virus to your clean hands. Antimicrobial soap is not necessary—just follow the hand-washing steps.
• How long is 20 seconds? Some people recommend singing Happy Birthday twice, or you could try singing the CU Fight Song once. 
• If soap and water aren't available, a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol is a good alternative. 

Keep Spaces Clean

We’ll clean and disinfect high-traffic, high-touch areas frequently. You can help by cleaning your own space and keeping common areas clean.

• Disinfect your work/study space daily.
• Disinfect shared living spaces and frequently touched surfaces daily.
• Reduce sharing of items as much as possible and clean thoroughly between uses.

Cover Your Cough or Sneeze

When you cough or sneeze:

1. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow. You should cover your face when sneezing or coughing, even if you are wearing a face covering.
2. Throw any used tissues in the trash.
3. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren't readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

High-Risk Groups

Your personal health and well-being are important to us. People in high-risk groups—and those caring for people in high-risk groups—should practice physical distancing to reduce chances of infection. We’re here to help, and supervisors and administrators will work to accommodate those who should be staying away from campus.