COVID-19

COVID-19 continues to circulate in our communities. Staying informed and taking simple preventive measures can help protect you, your family, and those at higher risk of severe illness. 

How COVID-19 spreads

COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets and aerosols released when an infected person talks, coughs, sneezes, sings, or shouts. These particles can be inhaled by others, particularly in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces. The virus can also spread through close contact and by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. People can spread COVID-19 even if they do not have symptoms

Taking everyday precautions can help reduce the risk of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.

Stay up to date with vaccination

COVID-19 vaccines continue to provide protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Staying up to date with recommended doses helps maintain protection over time.

Practice good hand hygiene

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

Help prevent the spread of illness

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly
• Consider giving others space, especially if they may be at higher risk of severe illness

Masks

Wearing a mask is a personal choice that can help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.

Masks can:

• Help protect others by containing respiratory particles
• Help protect you by reducing the respiratory particles you breathe in, particularly when using a high-quality, well-fitting mask

You may choose to wear a mask:

• If you are feeling unwell
• While recovering from a respiratory illness
• When spending time with people who are at higher risk of severe illness
• In crowded indoor settings

If you have COVID-19

If you test positive for COVID-19 or develop symptoms of illness, stay home to help prevent spreading infection to others.

You can return to your regular activities when:

• You no longer have a fever, and
• Your symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours

If you have gastrointestinal symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea, wait until symptoms have been improving for at least 48 hours before returning to regular activities.