Whether you chose to stay home this holiday season or traveled to celebrate with family and friends, it’s more important than ever to know what you need to do to reduce your risk, and that of your loved ones’, for contracting COVID-19. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) offers the following tips to help.

Get vaccinated, including a booster shot if you’re eligible

Vaccines are the best way to get through the pandemic. They help prevent COVID-19 illness, hospitalization and death and are safe, effective and free. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines, schedule a vaccination appointment and find UCOP vaccine and testing guidance.

Wear a mask, and make sure it’s a good one

Wear a mask, with good fit and filtration, in all indoor public settings (including shared transportation). N95 and KN95 or surgical masks do the best job filtering out viruses. Get more details about masking best practices.

Stay home if you’re sick

Anyone feeling sick, even with mild symptoms (sore throat, cough, sniffles), should stay home, isolate from others, and get tested. Download a COVID-19 testing fact sheet (PDF) and read CDPH testing guidance.

Get tested before and after traveling or gatherings with people outside your household

• Know before you go. Get tested one to three days before a gathering, or prior to any travel, even if you have no symptoms. Antigen testing should be done 24 hours prior to a gathering or travel. PCR testing should be done within 72 hours – with results available prior to a gathering or travel. There are no out-of-pocket costs to get tested. Visit a state testing site or call (833) 422-4255. Learn about the types of COVID tests.
• Know when you return. Test upon returning from the holidays. Test again three to five days later.

Also, consider the following

• Take precautions if some in your group are unvaccinated (e.g., wear masks indoors, socialize outdoors, keep gatherings short).
• Gather outside or increase airflow in indoor spaces. Download indoor airflow guidance (PDF).
• Activate CA Notify (California’s COVID-19 exposure notification system) on your smartphone. Ask your guests to do the same.

For more COVID-19 guidance from UCOP, visit ucop.edu/coronavirus.

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