Washing your hands with soap & water helps stop the spread of COVID-19

The spread of the Coronavirus has shocked many people... but you can take steps to protect yourself and your families.

Some tips from the Ministry of Health...

Wash your hands with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Cough or sneeze by covering your mouth and nose with tissues. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow.

Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with more than 60 percent alcohol. If you can't buy it at present you can always make your own.

Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as doorknobs, supermarket trolleys, EFTPOS machines, public toilets.

It's not easy to not hug or kiss people...or even shake their hands.

Call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 if you have any symptoms and have been to any countries or territories of concern or have been in close contact with someone confirmed with COVID-19.