Stay at home orders are in place, but people still need to go out occasionally for basics such as groceries, cash and medicine.
When handling these essential matters, consumers touch a lot more than they realize.
Other WRAL Top Stories
It's a concern with coronavirus.
While medical experts say it appears the primary spread happens when people cough or sneeze, those droplets land places, and can stay there, active, for hours to days.
So take extra steps to stay safe.
First, avoid touching surfaces with fingertips.
Use a pen or knuckle to press a button at the checkout or ATM. Most people are more likely to touch their face with a finger.
Also, carry tissues to use to grab doors, handrails, etc. Toss it right away.
Another option with the cooler temperatures, wear long sleeves to pull over and protect hands.
Clean surfaces inside the car. Wipe touch points such as handles, shifters and touchscreens before and after every trip.
Don't ease up on the practice of washing hands, often, for 20 seconds.
Everyone is still in a major avoidance mode right now.