There is no way to ensure zero risk of getting COVID-19, especially when new variants of SARS-Cov-2 continue to be identified and spread rapidly. Practicing layered prevention strategies, like staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines, isolating and quarantining when necessary, and wearing a well-fitting mask when recommended, can help keep you and others from getting sick and out of the hospital. Knowing the COVID-19 Community Level where you live can help you decide which prevention steps are most important to keep you and your family safe.
Follow these steps
More tools than ever before are available to prevent COVID-19 from straining our communities and health care systems. Each of us can help protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities from COVID-19 by following simple steps.
Stay up to date with your vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and very effective at protecting you from severe illness, hospitalization, and death caused by COVID-19. You can stay up to date with your vaccines by getting a booster dose at the recommended time. Learn more about vaccination.
Additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine are available for people who are immunocompromised or whose protection from the primary vaccine series has likely decreased over time.
Wear a mask
Wearing a mask is one way to protect others, as well as yourself. You may choose to wear a well-fitting mask or respirator if it makes you feel safer or if you are often around someone who is at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
If you live in a county with a Low COVID-19 Community Level, it is not necessary to wear a mask in most public indoor settings.
If you live in a county with a Medium COVID-19 Community Level, it is also not necessary to wear a well-fitting mask or respirator in most public indoor settings.
If you live in a county with a High COVID-19 Community Level, wear a well-fitting mask or respirator in public indoor settings, even if you are up to date on COVID-19 vaccines.
Regardless of your COVID-19 Community Levels, everyone should continue to wear a mask in certain situations:
- Wear a well-fitting mask around others if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or if you are symptomatic or test positive.
- Places where masks are required by local or tribal laws, rules, and regulations, including local businesses,workplaces, and health care settings.
- Effective April 18, 2022, wearing a mask is no longer required on public transportation (including planes, buses, and trains) traveling domestically in the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. The CDC continues to recommend that people wear a well-fitting mask in indoor public transportation settings.
Seek treatment for COVID-19
If you are sick with COVID-19 your health care provider may be able to prescribe medical care and treatment to improve your symptoms and help you recover more quickly. More on available treatments and medications.
Stay home when sick
If you’re feeling sick or have symptoms of COVID-19, it’s best to stay home until you are symptom free for at least 24 hours.. More on isolation and quarantine.
Get tested for COVID-19
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or were exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should get tested. More on testing.
Wash your hands
Frequent handwashing, when done correctly, is one of the best ways to protect against the spread of infectious diseases, like COVID-19. More on handwashing
Keep 6 feet apart
Physical distancing can help prevent you from being exposed to COVID-19. If you are at increased risk for severe disease from COVID-19, consider staying 6 or more feet away from people in public settings. More on physical distancing.
Staying safe and healthy
Learn more about how you can prevent the spread of COVID-19and what to do if you’re exposed. In addition, COVID-19 has had a tremendous effect on people’s mental health. Discover healthy ways to cope with the stress, along with effective tips for helping others.
Coping with stress
COVID-19 has impacted everyone in one way or another. Learn healthy ways to cope with stress and access resources that can get you through this time. More on coping.
What to do if you’re a close contact
If you’ve been in close contact with someone who is sick with COVID-19, you’re at risk for developing COVID-19. More on close contact.
Use the WI Exposure Notification App
The WI Exposure Notification App uses Bluetooth technology to provide COVID-19 contact tracing.
- Identifies and notifies close contacts
- Does not store any of your personal information or remember your location
- Informs you if there is a match with further instructions
