When it comes to near death, the US government has a long history of entertaining and amusing advise...

Updated instructions have been published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, to its "Nuclear Explosion Preparedness Public Awareness Website," which includes advice on how to avoid Covid.

The website, which was updated on Friday, states, "A nuclear explosion may occur with or without a few minutes warning." First few hours following the detonation are when the fallout is most deadly due to radiation levels. Fallout takes a long time to reach the ground, often up to 15 minutes in places not directly affected by the blast.

Steps recommended by FEMA to avoid "severe radiation exposure" include: "Try to keep a gap of at least six feet between yourself and persons who are not part of your family," and "If you're sheltering with people you don't know, use a face mask if feasible."

If you have an emergency medical situation, dial 9-1-1 and inform the operator if you think you might have, or suspect you have, Covid-19. Before aid arrives, put on a mask."

Coronavirus 2019 is already causing worry and panic in many people," a researcher said (COVID-19). Stress can be exacerbated if a nuclear explosion is possible.

Nuclear explosions pose a number of dangers, including:

For less than a minute, a bright FLASH can temporarily blind you.
Structures many kilometers away from the detonation can be damaged or killed by the blast wave.
Radiation has the potential to harm the cells in the human body. Radiation illness can be caused by large exposures.
Burns, injuries, and damage to structures can be caused by fire and heat.
As a result of the electromagnetic pulse (EMP) from the detonation, electrical power equipment and electronics can be damaged or disrupted many kilometers away.
Radioactive, visible dirt and debris from a height of several miles rains down on the earth, posing a health risk to those below.

In addition, if you're outside when a nuclear goes off, you have 10 minutes after the shock wave passes to reach the "nearest, best shelter spot," as radiation levels are at their maximum just after the fallout hits.

While you're avoiding a terrible malignant death, don't forget to wear a mask and practice social isolation.