Masks
Protect Your Health
Masks may help offer protection against the Omicron variant. If you choose to wear a mask, the CDC offers you guidance [Español] to help you achieve the best result.
Masks are most effective when worn consistently and correctly, and when combined with other layers of prevention, such as distancing, washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding poorly ventilated spaces, and staying home when sick. While all masks provide some level of protection, properly fitted respirators provide the highest level of protection.
Situations where you may choose to wear a mask:
- Indoor public places if you are not up to date on COVID-19 vaccines
- Indoor public places when community spread is substantial or high
Check Level of Community Transmission - If you or someone in your household has a compromised immune system or is at increased risk for severe disease
- If your healthcare provider has advised you to wear a mask
- In K-12 schools, parents may choose for their child to wear a mask. See Executive Order 2 (PDF) (6 pp, 224 MB) and Senate Bill 739 .
- You should wear a mask on days 1-10 of isolation or quarantine when you are around others inside your home or in public.
- 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 includes school buses.
- Some localities, local businesses, and other settings may still require masks. Follow any applicable rules or ordinances.
- 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.
Last Updated: February 25, 2022