COVID-19 Resources

Masks

Protect Your Health

Masks may help offer protection against COVID-19, including the Omicron variant. If you choose to wear a mask, the CDC offers you guidance  [Español ]to help you achieve the best result.

Proper Masking Tips

 

 

Situations where you should always wear a mask:

 

Masking based on COVID-19 Community Level

Community Levels are a tool to help individuals and communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data.

Check the COVID-19 Community Level where you live

Low Community Level

Medium Community Level

High Community Level

  • CDC recommends that you wear a well-fitting mask indoors in public, regardless of vaccination status or individual risk (including in K-12 schools and other community settings)
  • If you have a weakened immune system or at high risk for severe illness, wear a mask or respirator that provides you with greater protection, like an N95 or KN95

 

Situations where masks are required

  • While using public transportation (airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis, and rideshares, as well as in indoor transportation hubs, such as airports and stations), per a federal order. This no longer includes school buses.
  • Some localities, local businesses, and other settings may still require masks. Follow any applicable rules or ordinances.

 

Setting Specific Guidance

Congregate settings

Healthcare settings

Childcare settings

K-12 Schools

Masks at the Workplace

Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) Standard 

DOLI Standard FAQ 

View COVID-19 Businesses Page

 

 

Certain people should not wear a mask:

  • Children under the age of 2 years should not wear a mask. Masks should not be placed on a child (of any age) when the child is sleeping. If you choose for your child to wear a mask, find a mask made for children.
  • People who have trouble breathing, are incapacitated, or who are otherwise unable to remove the mask without help should not wear a mask.
  • People with a disability who cannot wear a mask, or cannot safely wear a mask, for reasons related to the disability.

Quarantine and Isolation

During a local COVID-19 outbreak, stores may run out of some supplies, and residents may be asked not to leave their homes for an extended period. Residents should plan and prepare by doing the following:
  • Have on hand enough food, household and pet supplies to last for two weeks.
  • Gather enough medical supplies to last for one month, especially prescriptions and other medicines you may need.
  • Identify a list of people who can help you or will need to be notified in the event of an emergency, including family, friends, neighbors, carpool drivers, healthcare providers, teachers, employers, the local public health department and other community resources.
  • Identify people who may need help, like neighbors, friends, family and co-workers who are older adults, have limited resources, have special needs, don’t understand English well or are new to the area.
  • Talk to your employer about changes at work, how family and sick leave will be handled and if there are plans to work from home or elsewhere.
Last Updated: August 7, 2024