Sign In Become a Member Donate CR's Guide to the Coronavirus Last Updated November 23, 2021 As the coronavirus continues to spread in the U.S., Consumer Reports is committed to bringing you up-to-date, evidence-based reporting and advice. Here are key steps you can take to help keep you, your family, and your community safe: 1 Follow local guidance to slow the spread of the virus and wear a face covering when appropriate. 2 Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly—for at least 20 seconds each time. 3 Check in on neighbors who might need a hand. 4 Be wary of rumors you hear or read on social media. Your safety is our number one priority. Please support our critical work to help keep consumers informed and safe. Donate Your Questions Answered What Can I Do to be as Safe as Possible? Follow the latest CDC advice on when to wear a mask. If you need a mask, this will help you choose the right one. And if you're thinking about other protective equipment, check out this guide. Wash your hands. If you're considering taking vitamin D, read this. The coronavirus is mutating. Here are the details. There are ways to figure out whether it's COVID or a cold. And this has answers a lot of common questions. Where Does Everything Stand With the Vaccines? Start off with this rundown that answers a lot of common questions. Here's what to expect when you get vaccinated. You'll most likely need a booster at some point soon. Children in certain age groups can now get the vaccine. Take care of your vaccine card. This will help sort through the confusion about how to prove you're vaccinated. All that info you hand over is a data bonanza for pharmacies. What If I Don’t Feel Well? Take these steps. Fever, coughing and body aches are key symptoms. This can help you treat them. If someone in your house is sick, these tips can help. It's also good to understand pneumonia, a possible complication. An air purifier might help if you have someone in your house who's sick. Here's what it's like to recover. Some people are struggling with long-term effects. If I'm Home More Now, What Can I Can Do to Make My Time Here Better? Here are some basics you might want. These recommendations can help you be more productive. You can make your home a better office. An ergonomic keyboard might help. We examined several. Make sure your WiFi is working as hard as it can. That old laptop may have some life left. Try to get some exercise if you can. And this equipment can help your home workout. Should I Worry About My Digital Privacy Working From Home? Make sure your router is secure. Some services also may collect more data than you realize. If you're chatting with your doctor via video, read this. What Can I Do to Be Safer When I Go Out? You’re going to touch things others touch so know this. There also are plenty of contactless-payment options. Protect yourself when you shop for groceries, even online. And save time and money when you do so. You still need to go to the dentist. Here's how to do so safely. I'm Cooking More Than Ever. Any Tips? A multi-cooker is a great way to make healthy meals. So is an air fryer. You can extend some food expiration dates. There's a lot you can do with all those nonperishables in your cabinets. Making the perfect cup of coffee isn't that hard. It's fairly easy to make yogurt at home. Here's what we've learned about eating during the pandemic. What Should I Think About When It Comes to My Financial Situation? Reduce expenses by cutting your tech bills. Watch those utility bills too since you might be home more. These seven credit card tactics could help with a cash crunch. Flexible spending accounts are now even more flexible. Any Other Advice? It's a stressful time. Here's some advice that might help. There probably are ways you can help within your community. One of those is giving blood, which you can still do. There's a reason you're seeing so many pulse oximeter ads. Centro de recursos sobre el coronavirus This can help if you're asked to sign a COVID-19 waiver. View More Get Involved SIGN A PETITION Airlines: Give cash refunds for flights cancelled due to COVID-19 SIGN A PETITION End water shutoffs for those struggling financially due to pandemic We Want to Hear From You By sharing your story you’ll show Congress that consumers need a common-sense response that focuses on people and the hardships they are experiencing. Share your story “My job has shut down due to this epidemic. My husband's social security disability pays most of our house bills, but not all. I can't pay for electric or food or prescriptions we both need without my paycheck.” —BARBARA, MARYLAND “I’m employed at the happiest place in the world! But it’s also a place of thousands of people daily. We’re now closed through May with no real end in sight. I was one of the 2.5 million people that filed for unemployment today.” —JAMES, CALIFORNIA “I'm a self employed freelance photographer. All my clients have cancelled my work due to the Coronavirus. No income coming in. Will find it very difficult to pay my mortgage and other bills. It will take a long time to recover.” —JOSEPH, NEW HAMPSHIRE Your safety is our number one priority. Please support our critical work by becoming a monthly donor today. Give $3 Member Support Contact Us Account Settings What is Membership? 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