COVD-19 UPDATES
Updated: March, 2021
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Improve How Your Mask Protects You
Correct and consistent mask use is a critical step everyone can take to prevent getting and spreading COVID-19. Masks work best when everyone wears them, but not all masks provide the same protection. When choosing a mask, look at how well it fits, how well it filters the air, and how many layers it has.
Two important ways to make sure your mask works the best it can
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Make your mask fits snugly against your face. Gaps can let air with respiratory droplets leak in and out around the edges of the mask.
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Pick a mask with layers to keep your respiratory droplets in and others’ out. A mask with layers will stop more respiratory droplets getting inside your mask or escaping from your mask if you are sick.
For more information on science behind improving how your mask protects you, see Improve the Fit and Filtration of Your Mask to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19.
People at Increased Risk
And Other People Who Need to Take Extra Precautions
People at Increased Risk for Severe Illness. Some people are more likely than others to become severely ill.
How To Get
Tested For Current
COVID-19 Infection
You can visit your state or local external icon health department’s website to look for the latest local information on testing.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and want to get tested, call your healthcare provider first.
How To Manage Test Results
If you test positive, know what protective steps to take to prevent others from getting sick.
If you test negative, you probably were not infected at the time your sample was collected. The test result only means that you did not have COVID-19 at the time of testing. Continue to take steps to protect yourself.
Community, Work, and School
Additional Information for Where You Live, Work, Learn, and Play
Three Important Ways to Slow the Spread
Three Important Ways to Slow the Spread
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Wear a mask to protect yourself and others and stop the spread of COVID-19.
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Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) from others who don’t live with you.
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Avoid crowds. The more people you are in contact with, the more likely you are to be exposed to COVID-19.
Everyone 2 and older should wear masks in public.
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Masks should be worn in addition to staying at least 6 feet apart, especially around people who don’t live with you.
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If someone in your household is infected, people in the household should take precautions including wearing masks to avoid spread to others.
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Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before putting on your mask.
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Wear your mask over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin.
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Fit the mask snugly against the sides of your face, slipping the loops over your ears or tying the strings behind your head.
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If you have to continually adjust your mask, it doesn’t fit properly, and you might need to find a different mask type or brand.
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Make sure you can breathe easily.
What Symptoms to Watch For
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are: Fever, cough, headaches, fatigue, muscle or body aches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, nausea and diarrhea.
Other symptoms are signs of serious illness. If someone has trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure, or difficulty staying awake, get medical care immediately. When should I Quarantine?