How to protect yourself and family from the Coronavirus

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - As the coronavirus starts to spread here in Colorado, we got some tips on how you can protect yourself and your family.

Local health professionals tell us, as simple as it sounds, the number one thing you can do is frequently wash your hands thoroughly for twenty seconds.

If soap and water aren’t available, the El Paso County health department suggests you use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

The EPA has also released a list of disinfectants that kill the Coronavirus.

In addition, public health officials are recommending people 60 years or older consider changing their social habits and avoiding big events where illnesses can more rapidly spread.

Lastly, health officials tell us only sick people need to wear surgical masks; they say the masks are ineffective at preventing people from getting the COVID-19 disease.

"Patients should wear that if they actually are sneezing or coughing, and the reason is that mask will prevent the spread of those droplet particles," explained Carrie Kirk, a registered nurse at UCHealth.