General infection control advice that applies to all 

Basic infection control recommendations remain important, and will limit the spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19.

In case of respiratory tract symptoms

Everyone who is ill should stay at home.

If you have newly arisen respiratory tract symptoms, it is recommended that you keep your distance from others, especially people at risk.

• Newly arisen-respiratory tract symptoms

Hand hygiene and cough etiquette 

Avoid coughing or sneezing directly onto other people. Use a paper tissue or the crook of your elbow when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of the tissue and wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitiser. See:

• Hand hygiene and cough etiquette

Face masks 

It is recommended to use a face mask in close contact with people in risk groups if you have a cold / respiratory symptoms.

Risk groups and the unvaccinated are advised to wear face masks in public during periods of high transmission rates if it is difficult to keep a distance from others.

Read more about who is defined as risk groups in the article Risk groups and their relatives - advice and information.

Vaccination

Everyone who is recommended to have the COVID-19 vaccine is encouraged to take it:

• Coronavirus vaccine

Advice for risk groups

People at increased risk of a severe disease course and unvaccinated adults must themselves assess the risk of infection and their own risk of serious disease course of COVID-19 against the need for contact with others. Staying away from large crowds and wearing a face mask when you cannot keep your distance from others may be appropriate measures during periods of high transmission. However, it is important not to completely isolate oneself and continue to have some social contact. For example, you can choose to only meet a regular group of people socially, and thus reduce the risk of becoming infected.

Normally, people in risk groups are well protected against serious disease course if they follow vaccination advice, so that they can live like others and follow the same infection control advice as others. People at high risk for serious disease course should consult their GP/doctor about the risk and necessity of protection during periods of high transmission rates.

• Risk groups and their relatives - advice and information

Ventilation

In rooms with inadequate ventilation, airing out regularly can reduce the risk of covid-19 infection. To achieve adequate natural ventilation, it is necessary to air out frequently, in short intervals, several times an hour. Using an air purifier with a HEPA filter can also help reduce risk. It is important to remember that the risk of transmission is greatest at a short distance, less than 1 metre, and that the risk of transmission in this case is less affected by ventilation and air purification.