People with disabilities may need to take extra precautions
to protect themselves from COVID-19.
Anyone who comes in contact with COVID-19
is at risk of getting the virus.
People with disabilities who have certain
health conditions and illnesses,
such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes,
or cancer are more at risk of getting COVID-19
or of getting very sick if they get COVID-19.
People with disabilities
who have caregivers or family members
who help them with their daily activities
and care may also be more at risk of coming in contact
with COVID-19 and getting sick.
If you are more at risk,
you should follow the everyday recommended precautions
and take extra steps to protect yourself.
Use the everyday recommended precautions.
If you or someone you care for are more
at risk of getting COVID-19
or getting very sick from COVID-19,
use the everyday recommended precautions
to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth
when you are around people who do not live with you.
If you need people to be able to see your mouth
to read your lips, get a clear mask.
If you cannot get a clear mask,
try to use other ways to communicate if you can.
Other ways to communicate could include
writing things down on a notepad or paper
or using closed captioning.
Also try to lower background noise
if that is helpful when you wear a mask that blocks your lips.
The CDC does not recommend clear face shields
as a substitute for masks.
If a face shield needs to be used without a mask,
the face shield should wrap around your face
and extend below your chin.
Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.
Use hand sanitizer when you are out and cannot wash your hands.
Keep a distance of at least six feet from people
who do not live with you.
Take extra steps to protect yourself.
Stay home as much as you can.
Stay away from large groups of people.
You should limit visitors to your home.
Only the people who need to be there,
like caregivers and support providers,
should come to your home.
Anyone who comes to your home should wash their hands
as soon as they come in.
Caregivers should wash their hands before
and after any personal care or other activities.
Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces, like counters,
doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, and keyboards.
Clean and disinfect equipment, such as wheelchairs,
scooters, walkers, and canes.
Other medical and communication devices
should also be cleaned regularly.
Make plans in case of sickness or emergency.
Caregivers who are sick or have symptoms
should not come to your home.
Make a plan for family, friends, or neighbors to help you
in case your service provider or caregiver is sick
or not able to come.
Share the plan with your family and friends.
Plan how you will communicate with others
and who to notify in case of an emergency.
Keep this information where you can easily get to it.
Keep a supply of groceries, water,
and other items in case of an emergency.
Keep a 30-day or more supply of medicine and needed supplies.
Keep a copy of prescriptions in case of an emergency.
For more ASL videos,
including information on Symptoms of Coronavirus,
Wearing a Mask to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19,
and Running Essential Errands, go to the CDC YouTube channel.
For the latest information in English text,
please visit cdc.gov/coronavirus.