Masking & Prevention
Wearing a well-fitted, high-quality mask (KN94/95 or N95) is an easy way to help stop your respiratory droplets from reaching others and to avoid breathing in droplets from others.
If you are at a higher risk for getting seriously ill from COVID-19 you should consider wearing a high-quality mask when you are in an indoor public setting with poor ventilation, or when you are traveling on public transportation. Additionally, if you have respiratory symptoms such as cough, runny nose and sore throat you should consider wearing a mask if around others, particularly if they are at higher risk of getting sick from a respiratory illness.
Regardless of your risk from getting seriously ill from COVID-19, the State of California recommends all Californians wear a high-quality mask when:
- If you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and you will be in contact with someone who is at higher risk
- If you test positive for COVID-19. (See the CDC's Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You’re Sick for more details.)
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 or K95
- 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
Other Prevention Measures
Get vaccinated or boosted: COVID vaccines are the best protection against serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID. Stay up to date on your COVID vaccines by getting an updated bivalent mRNA vaccine.
Wash or sanitize your hands regularly.
Outdoors is safer than indoors.
Good indoor ventilation: Good indoor ventilation can reduce the spread of COVID-19, especially in crowded places. To improve air flow, open windows and doors, run heating and air systems, and use portable air cleaners.