Prevention

Last updated: 4/22/2022
The best way to protect yourself and others is to use many safety tools, such as getting vaccinated and boosted, wearing a mask indoors and avoiding places where COVID-19 spreads more easily.
COVID-19 Spreads More Easily in Some Places
COVID-19 is more likely to spread in places:
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Where people are not vaccinated
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Where people are not wearing masks
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Where it’s crowded and people are close to each other
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With poor airflow, such as indoor locations
To lower your chance of getting sick, choose to spend time in places where COVID-19 is less likely to spread:
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Places where people are fully vaccinated
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Places where people are wearing masks
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Places that are not crowded
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Outdoor places
Click for safety tips for small and large gatherings from the CDC
Get Vaccinated and Stay Up-To-Date on Vaccination
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Vaccines are safe and effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19
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Everyone ages 5 and older should get vaccinated
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Everyone ages 12 and older should get boosted for added protection
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A second booster dose is available for people at higher risk
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Wear a Mask
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Wearing a mask is an easy way to help stop your respiratory droplets from reaching others and to avoid breathing in droplets from others
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Everyone is strongly encouraged to mask indoors, regardless of vaccination status
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Everyone is required to wear masks in the following places in California:
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Healthcare settings
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Adult and senior care facilities
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State and local correctional facilities and detention centers
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Homeless shelters, emergency shelters and cooling centers
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Upgrade Your Mask
Not all masks provide the same protection. Wear a mask with the best fit, protection and comfort for you. No matter which mask you choose, make sure it fits well with no gaps.
Best
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N95 (also best for wildfire smoke)
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Choose a size and model that fits your face and has no gaps
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If you wear an N95 respirator, you should not wear an additional face covering over or under the respirator, as it can interfere with the seal to the face
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Better
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KF94
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KN95
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Double mask
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Wear two masks (disposable mask underneath AND cloth mask on top)
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Good
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Surgical mask
Fair
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Cloth mask
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It should fit snugly and have at least three layers
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A cloth mask is better than no mask
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Good Indoor Ventilation or Be Outside
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Good indoor ventilation can reduce the spread of COVID-19, especially in crowded places
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To improve air flow, open windows and doors, run heating and air systems, and use portable air cleaners
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If you can’t improve ventilation, being outdoors is safer than indoors
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Improving Indoor Air Quality Best Practices, Environmental Protection Agency