Everyday Prevention

How do I keep myself and my ‘ohana safe?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping ourselves and our families safe can seem overwhelming. But there are some easy, reasonable, common-sense precautions we can take in our daily lives that can significantly lessen exposure and keep our communities safe.

Safe Practices

Couple wearing masks

Keep your hands clean. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds. When soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Use a tissue or your elbow to touch common surfaces such as doorknobs, handrails, elevator buttons, and crosswalk buttons.

Wear a mask. It’s proven that wearing a mask can reduce transmission. It’s recommended you wear a mask that covers your nose, mouth, and chin while indoors, on public transit, or any time it’s difficult to maintain physical distancing. Get more detailed Mask Guidance.

Maintain physical distancing. COVID-19 spreads between people in close proximity, therefore maintaining distance reduces the risk of transmission. Learn about Safe Gatherings.

Keep it clean. Think about the objects and surfaces in your home and workplace that are commonly touched — and make a plan to clean them regularly. Remember to sanitize doorknobs, light switches, keyboard and your phone. Learn how to properly clean and sanitize your home.

Protect kupuna and people with underlying conditions. Safe practices are even more important for people who live with or have regular contact with individuals at higher risk. Be vigilant, and remember that even if you don’t have symptoms, you could be carrying COVID-19. Get more guidance on protecting older adults.

Keep up with regular check-ups and doctor’s visits. Maintaining your health and staying on top of medical appointments is more important than ever. Health care facilities and physicians’ offices have safety protocols in place to ensure that your visit is safe. Depending on your medical issue, your healthcare provider may choose to schedule a telehealth visit instead of an in-person visit.

School Guidance

The health benefits of children attending school in person include fundamental links between in-person education and long-term health outcomes. Hawai‘i has multiple mitigation strategies that are designed to be layered, flexible, and aligned with CDC guidance, to help maintain safe school environments.

Student wearing a mask

Remember Your Vaccines

COVID-19 vaccination. The COVID-19 vaccine is available in Hawai’i for those 6 months old and older. The best way to protect Hawai‘i families and communities is to ensure that residents complete their initial vaccine series, and get booster doses as they become eligible. Regardless of vaccination status, mask wearing, and social distancing remain critical tools against the virus. Learn more on our Vaccine page.

Annual flu shots. Getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever this year. Health care systems are already facing a significant burden as they address the COVID-19 pandemic — so preventing flu-related hospitalizations is essential. The flu vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor with flu by 40 to 60 percent. And, by staying healthy you’re freeing up health resources to treat others in need. Get more information about the flu vaccine.