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Prevention
 

Last updated: 12/23/2022

There are many tools to protect against COVID-19 and one of the most important is knowledge. You are less likely to get sick when you combine tools, such as getting vaccinated and boosted, wearing a well-fitted mask indoors and avoiding places where COVID-19 spreads more easily.

There’s no way to know how COVID-19 will affect you. Some people may suffer from long COVID (also known as post-COVID conditions) which includes a wide range of ongoing or new health problems and symptoms that can be difficult to explain, manage or treat. The best way to avoid long COVID-19 is to avoid infection, including getting vaccinated and staying up to date with boosters. Learn more about long COVID.

COVID-19 prevention graphic

COVID-19 Spreads More Easily in Some Places

COVID-19 is more likely to spread in places:

  • Where people are not vaccinated

  • Where people are not wearing masks

  • Where it’s crowded and people are close to each other

  • 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:

  • Places where people are fully vaccinated

  • Places where people are wearing masks

  • Places that are not crowded

  • Outdoor places

CDC Community Level of Spread

Mask Recommendations and Requirements

LOW

  • People at lower risk for severe illness: wear a mask based on their personal preference

  • People at higher risk for severe illness: consider wearing a mask in crowded, indoor public places

  • Specific high-risk settings: wear a mask based on personal preference

MEDIUM

  • People at lower risk for severe illness: consider wearing a mask in crowded, indoor public places

  • People at higher risk for severe illness: wearing a mask in crowded, indoor public places is recommended

  • Specific high-risk settings: masks are required

HIGH

  • People at lower risk for severe illness: wearing a mask in crowded, indoor public places is recommended

  • People at higher risk for severe illness: wearing a mask in crowded, indoor public places is strongly recommended

  • Specific high-risk settings: masks are required

Get Vaccinated and Stay Up-To-Date on Vaccination

 

Wear a Mask

Masks
Community Level
GoodBetterBest Masks_Feb 2023 update.png

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

  • N95 (also best for wildfire smoke)

    • Choose a size and model that fits your face and has no gaps

    • 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

Better

  • KF94

  • KN95

  • Double mask

    • Wear two masks (disposable mask underneath AND cloth mask on top)

Good

  • Surgical mask

Fair

  • Cloth mask

    • It should fit snugly and have at least three layers

    • A cloth mask is better than no mask

 

Good Indoor Ventilation or Be Outside

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