Wearing masks
can help protect you and others from COVID - 19.
In addition, layered prevention strategies
like staying up to date on vaccines
and handwashing can help prevent severe illness
and reduce the potential for strain on your health care system.
Wear a mask with the best fit, protection,
and comfort for you.
COVID - 19 community levels are a tool to help
communities decide what prevention steps to take
based on the latest data.
Levels can be low,
medium or high
and are determined by looking at hospital beds being used,
hospital admissions,
and the total number of new COVID - 19
cases in an area.
Take precautions to protect yourself
and others from COVID - 19
based on the COVID - 19 community level in your area.
If a Community Level is noted as Low
or noted as Green
wear a mask based on your personal preference,
informed by your personal level of risk.
Wear a mask
if you have symptoms, or a positive test,
or have been exposed to someone
with COVID - 19
If a Community Level is noted as Medium
or noted as Yellow
If you are immunocompromised
or at high risk for severe illness
Talk to your health care provider about additional precautions,
such as wearing masks indoors in public
If you live with or have social contact
with someone at high risk for severe illness,
consider testing yourself for infection
before getting together with them.
Also, consider wearing a mask
when indoors with them
If a Community Level
is noted as High or noted as Orange
wear a well-fitting mask indoors in public,
regardless of vaccination status or individual risk.
This includes in K through 12 schools
and other community settings
If you are immunocompromised
or at high risk for severe illness
wear a mask or respirator that provides you
with greater protection
It is important
to wear a mask or respirator when you are sick
or caring for someone who is sick with COVID - 19.
If you are sick with COVID - 19,
a respirator will help protect others
from getting infected.
When caring for
someone who is sick with COVID - 19,
a respirator will provide you
the best level of protection.
To learn more about mask considerations
for specific groups of people or people who are at high risk,
please visit CDC.gov