Face Coverings

Page originally published 10/23/2023. Last updated 6/25/2024.

Wearing a high-quality and well-fitting mask can help protect you and others.

Masks can stop you from breathing in viruses, wildfire smoke, and other particles or germs in the air.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the County of San Diego recommend wearing a mask if you are at higher risk for getting very sick from respiratory viruses. This includes COVID-19, flu, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
- People at higher risk for getting very sick from a respiratory virus includes:
  - Older adults,
  - People with certain medical conditions,
  - People with weakened immune systems,
  - People with certain disabilities, and
  - People who are pregnant or recently had a baby.
A mask is also helpful when in a crowded setting that may have poor ventilation (air movement). This includes:
- Indoor areas of public transportation (such as airplanes, trains, and buses),
- Transportations hubs (such as airports and stations), and
- Places of gathering (such as movie theaters and concert halls), or when traveling.
Local health departments and other settings may require a mask based on certain circumstances.

Key Times to Wear a Mask

Wearing a mask may be especially helpful when:

Respiratory viruses are causing a lot of illness in your community.
You, or the people around you, were recently exposed to a respiratory virus, are sick, or are recovering.
You, or the people around you, have risk factors for getting very sick.

County of San Diego

California Department of Public Health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention