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During COVID-19, everyone has a part to play in keeping communities safe and healthy. For healthcare providers, however, there is double the responsibility, both for keeping patients safe but also keeping family members at home safe. Here are some helpful tips from Dr. Jeff Powis, medical director, infection prevention and control at Michael ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý (MGH):

1. When leaving your place of work, sanitize your hands, remove your mask and then sanitize your hands again. Treat every surface outside of your own home as one that is potentially contaminated. If you touch a surface and your hand becomes contaminated, you must wash it or use alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) to clean it.
2. If you drive, sanitize your hands when entering your car. If you take public transport, try to socially isolate and wear a cloth mask. Remember every surface is contaminated â€� so do not touch your face or eyes without cleaning your hands. Do not eat or drink anything while on public transit.
3. Once you get home, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or sanitize your hands immediately. Next, change out of your work clothes and immediately put them in the hamper. It’s important to note that the virus has not been found on healthcare workers clothes, but it’s good to be cautious. Clean your hands again. If you’ve worked with COVID-positive or presumed positive patients, a shower is recommended.
4. Wash your clothes with regular laundry detergent and be sure to clean your hands once you’ve put your dirty clothes in your washing machine. You can also take extra precautions such as keeping your shoes by the door or outside of the house and keeping your hospital ID badge/lanyard in a specific container.
5. When going to work the next day, be sure to clean your hands once you’ve left your car or public transport.
6. Once you’ve arrived at work, sanitize your hands, put on your appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and maintain appropriate social distance.