The 3 W’s will help prevent the spread of COVID-19. All day. Every day.
Wear A Mask
Wearing a mask helps to protect you and those around you from COVID-19. For those over two years old who are able to medically tolerate a face covering, wear the face covering whenever you are with others who do not live with you in your household. Because a person can spread COVID-19 even if they have no symptoms of being sick, wearing a face covering even when we feel well is important and can help us protect each other.
When wearing a face covering:
- Make sure you can breath through it
- Make sure it covers your nose and your mouth
- Make sure it fits snugly but comforatbly against the side of your face
- The face covering should include multiple layers
- The face covering should be able to be washed and dried without damage or change in shape
- Wash the face covering after using
Make sure to wash your face covering to keep it clean. Wash in the regular laundry with detergent and appropriate settings according to the fabric. You can also wash your mask by hand using tap water and laundry detergent or soap. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove detergent or soap. Dry your face coverings completely before use.
Additional Mask Related Resources:
CDC calls on Americans to wear masks to prevent COVID-19 spread
CDC How to Select, Wear and Clean Your Mask
CDC Considerations for Wearing Masks
Watch Your Distance
Help prevent the spread if COVID-19 with social distancing. Maintain a minimum of six-feet of distance between you and others that are not members of your immediate household whenever possible.
Suggestions to help you maintain your distance:
- Avoid shopping at peak hours and/or take advantage of delivery or pick-up services offered by retailers.
- Work with your employer to allow remote work whenever possible.
- Avoid shaking hands as a social greeting.
- Avoid public transportation when possible and don't travel to areas with active outbreaks.
- Avoid crowded places.
- Stay home whenever possible.
Additional Social Distancing Resources:
CDC Keep a Safe Distance to Slow the Spread
Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands is easy, and it's one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
It is especially important to wash your heands:
- Before, during, and after preparing food.
- Before and after eating.
- After using the restroom
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- After changing a diaper
- After caring for someone who is sick
- After handling your mask
- After touching pets or animals
Additional Handwashing Resources:
CDC When and How to Wash Your Hands
For general questions about COVID-19, please call the Illinois Department of Public Health at 1-800-889-3931 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
For questions about COVID-19 specific to Winnebago County, please call 1-815-319-6705. or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.