25 Precautions to reduce risk of transmission Question: What are the minimum precautions to reduce the risk of transmission of acute respiratory infections? Answer: Avoid close contact with people suffering from any acute respiratory infections. Frequent hand-washing, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment. People with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing and wash hands) and stay home if unwell. Adhere to standard infection prevention and control practices in primary health care. All patients with respiratory infection and recent overseas travel history should be provided with a surgical mask upon entry to the facility. For suspect cases of COVID-19 infection, include contact and droplet precautions, such as personal protective equipment (PPE). Aerosol-generating procedures should be avoided in primary health care.