Do I Really Have To Wear a Mask?
Anyone 2+ years old who is not vaccinated or not up to date on vaccines should wear masks in indoor public spaces. When your county is experiencing a high transmission rate, we recommend everyone, regardless of vaccine status wear masks indoors. Check your county’s transmission rate by using this map here. Areas with a high incidence rate will be listed in red.
Masking is a critical public health tool for preventing the spread of COVID-19. It’s important to remember that any mask is better than no mask. However, you want to make sure that the mask you are wearing fits well, doesn’t have any gaps, isn’t wet or dirty and doesn’t have a vent or exhalation valves.
You especially want to mask up if you’re in any of the following situations:
Taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19
Immunocompromised, have an underlying health condition or an older adult
If you work a job that interacts with the public throughout the day
Using public transportation, especially for long periods of time
If social distancing is not an option in a crowded setting
If you are not up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations
You can learn more about the CDC’s most current recommendations about masks here.