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Prevention
 

Last updated: 4/22/2022

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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.

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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
     

Click for safety tips for small and large gatherings from the CDC

Get Vaccinated and Stay Up-To-Date on Vaccination

  • Vaccines are safe and effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19

    • Everyone ages 5 and older should get vaccinated

    • Everyone ages 12 and older should get boosted for added protection

      • A second booster dose is available for people at higher risk

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Wear a Mask

  • Wearing a mask is an easy way to help stop your respiratory droplets from reaching others and to avoid breathing in droplets from others

  • Everyone is strongly encouraged to mask indoors, regardless of vaccination status

  • Everyone is required to wear masks in the following places in California:

    • Healthcare settings

    • Adult and senior care facilities

    • State and local correctional facilities and detention centers

    • Homeless shelters, emergency shelters and cooling centers

 
types of masks 1 IG_edited.jpg

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.

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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

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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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