Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)

Looking for New Guidelines?

On March 3rd, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced they will be updating several state public health officer orders that have guided Californians on how to best protect themselves and their families throughout the pandemic. The updates to the orders related to vaccination, masking, isolation, and quarantine will take effect in the coming days and weeks. See links below for the latest guidance.

Click on the Following Options:

Masks 

Travel 

K-12 Schools 

State Public Health Officer Order - March 13, 2023 

 

 

SMARTER is not just a plan for the COVID-19 pandemic. The preparation, the flexibility, and the systems we are developing make us smarter and better prepared for future public health emergencies. Learn more at covid19.ca.gov.

 

As California enters the next phase with #COVID19, we will continue to be the nation’s model for readiness, building on what we have learned over the past two years to meet the COVID-19 challenges that lie ahead. Our state’s ability to be prepared and remain flexible will make us SMARTER at managing COVID-19 and future emergencies. SMARTER Plan.

Protect yourself and others by keeping these common-sense safety steps in mind.

Do

 Don't

Get vaccinated

Lose your proof of vaccination
Wear a mask where required, in public indoor spaces, and on public transit Think you can’t get the virus or pass it on because you feel well
Turn on exposure notifications on your phone Assume everyone is vaccinated
Get tested if you’re sick Expect all COVID-19 rules everywhere to be lifted
Honor mask rules in place at a private business Travel into the U.S. without proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test
Get tested if required by your workplace Attend large events if you’re sick
Wear a mask when you travel Travel if you’re sick

Person placing an adhesive bandage on someone else.

 Four friends wearing masks taking a selfie. People are getting tested for COVID-19 with results in fifteen minutes.  

Vaccinations

Get vaccinated, and get your kids 6 months and older vaccinated. It’s our best tool to end the pandemic. Vaccination is safe, effective, and free.

Masks

Wear a mask to keep from spreading the virus to those with no defense, like the immune-compromised and children under 5.

Testing

Get tested for COVID-19 if you may have been exposed. It’s free and confidential for everyone in California.

  
Person checking their phone. Kids sitting in a classroom with their hands up. Barista serving a pumpkin spice latte at a cafe.  

Exposure notifications

Turn on exposure notifications in your Apple or Android phone. CA Notify can then alert you if you’ve been near someone who tested positive.

Education and childcare

As kids return to in-person learning, find out the requirements for masking, vaccinating, and testing.

Workplace safety

Employers are responsible for keeping the work environment safe. See the state’s rules and standards to support this.

  
An outside view of Staples Center with vehicular traffic passing by. Person sits inside of a train on a rainy day wearing a coat, beanie, and mask. Woman quarantining at home, on the couch with a blanket and a cup of tea  

Mega-events

Mega-events are indoor events with 1,000 or more people and outdoor events with 10,000 or more people. Attendee rules apply for each.

Travel

Keep California healthy and our communities open by following CDC travel guidelines.

Isolation and quarantine

Find out how long to stay home and avoid others if you test positive or are exposed to COVID-19.