Can the COVID-19 virus spread through drinking water?
The COVID-19 virus has not been detected in treated drinking water. Conventional water treatment methods used in most municipal drinking water systems use filters and disinfectants to remove or kill germs, like the virus that causes COVID-19. The Environmental Protection Agency regulates water treatment plants to ensure that treated water is safe to drink.
Do I still need to stay at least 6 feet away from people if wearing a mask to avoid getting COVID-19?
Wearing a mask or cloth face covering is just a part of your overall protection plan to keep you and others from spreading and getting COVID-19. Likewise, social distancing, or staying 6 feet away from others, is an additional public health measure to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.Vaccination is the best tool we have to protect people and communities from COVID-19. But vaccinated or not, wearing a mask in indoor public spaces can help protect you and everyone close to you. State and CDC mask recommendations are available for schools, public transportation, and healthcare settings.
Are pregnant people at greater risk from COVID-19?
According to CDC, pregnant people do have a greater chance of developing severe illness with COVID-19 than the general public. Additionally, pregnant people with COVID-19 may be more likely to have adverse outcomes, such as preterm birth. For more information, see the Pregnant and Recently Pregnant People section of the CDC website.
What precautions should you take when grocery shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Consider wearing a mask. Vaccinated or not, wearing a mask in indoor public spaces can help protect you and everyone close to you.Use wipes to clean the handles of the shopping cart or basket. If you are not fully vaccinated, be sure to practice social distancing while shopping, keeping at least 6 feet between you and other people who are not members of your household. Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60\% alcohol when you leave the store. Finally, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when you return home.
How can pregnant people protect themselves from COVID-19 in addition to hand washing?
See full answerIf you are pregnant or were recently pregnant you can receive a COVID-19 vaccine. If you have questions about getting vaccinated, talk with your healthcare provider. Pregnant or recently pregnant people should also do the same things as everyone else to avoid COVID-19 infection, including:
- Consider wearing a mask. Vaccinated or not, wearing a mask in indoor public spaces can help protect you and everyone close to you.
- If you are not fully vaccinated, stay 6 feet apart from people who are outside of your immediate household.
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick or who have been recently exposed to COVID-19.
- Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.
Can COVID-19 be passed from mother to child?
See full answerAccording to CDC, infections causing COVID-19 in newborns born to mothers with COVID-19 are uncommon; however, some newborns have tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 shortly after birth. It is unknown if these newborns got the virus before, during, or after birth from close contact with an infected person. However, current evidence suggests that the risk of a newborn getting COVID-19 from its mother is low, especially when she uses appropriate precautions before and during care of the newborn, such as wearing a mask and practicing good hand hygiene.Pregnant women and mothers of newborns who are diagnosed with COVID-19 should discuss with their healthcare provider the risks and benefits of having their newborn stay in the same room with them.