As with all respiratory diseases, infection of large parts of the population is difficult to prevent. The measures currently being implemented are therefore intended to prevent the risk groups from becoming infected and to delay an overly rapid infection of the general population so as not to overload the capacities of the hospitals. 

Avoiding contact : Corona viruses in the respiratory tract are preferably transmitted through direct contacts (hand-to-hand contact) or indirect contacts (through contact surfaces such as handles, switches, handrails, doorknobs, etc.), depending on the situation. These viruses often cause a rhinitis-like clinical picture. The main symptoms are then less coughing and sneezing than the "running" of the nose. Contamination of the hands with pathogen-containing nasal secretions and respiratory secretions is practically unavoidable. Thus, restricting body contact, avoiding touching surfaces and keeping a distance are probably the most effective measures for avoiding infection.

Disinfection : As an enveloped virus, the new pathogen is no more resistant to disinfectants and disinfection processes than any other enveloped virus. On the contrary: In addition to all common disinfectants, the corona virus is also highly sensitive to all types of fat solvents. Soaps, dishwashing detergents, detergents and processes are therefore rated as highly effective. 

Hand Sanitiser: Any professional alcohol-based hand sanitizer is highly effective when used correctly. You only need to ensure that your hands are completely wetted. The effect of these preparations is usually given within 30 seconds. The agents should be applied to dry, unpolluted hands and rubbed in carefully. It is unnecessary to wash your hands before disinfecting them unless they are dirty.

However, hand disinfectants are currently difficult to obtain and should therefore be reserved for the medical sector wherever possible, where they serve other important purposes than pure corona virus prophylaxis. Since the pathogen is highly sensitive to soaps, it is sufficient to wash your hands carefully with soap and water or a syndet in private or at work (outside of the medical field). To do this, the hands must first be pre-moistened, then the agent should be rubbed onto the hands for at least 30 seconds to a minute. Only then should you rinse and dry them thoroughly. 

Mouthguard:A simple face mask, such as that worn by surgeons during an operation, is only of limited use. Its main purpose is to protect patients from germs from the surgeon's airways during an operation. Anyone who wears such protection in public will hardly be able to protect themselves effectively if someone really coughs them up. Effective protection is only given if so-called FFP masks are worn. These are close to the face and breathing is made possible via a valve and filter part. Since the transmission of respiratory diseases, especially Covid19 in the public sector, preferably takes place via contact infections, the protective effect of the masks currently worn there, often even self-sewn, is presumably overestimated. 

Protective gloves: It is not necessary to generally wear protective gloves in public, provided that the recommended measures for hand hygiene are observed.