COVID-19: Reducing Risk

Knowing the amount of COVID-19 activity in your area can help you decide what protective measures to take. Everyone needs to take extra precautions when there is a high level of COVID activity. When the local risk is lower, use your situation, personal preferences, and comfort level to decide what to do. Take extra steps to stay safe and protect others if you or the people you spend time with are at higher risk for severe disease.

Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. It is the best way to protect yourself from getting seriously ill and dying from COVID. Vaccination also lowers your risk of getting long COVID. Vaccines are free for everyone. You will not be asked about your immigration status when you get a vaccine.
• Visit ph.lacounty.gov/howtogetvaccinated to find a location near you. Call 1-833-540-0473 if you need help getting a vaccine, need transportation to a vaccination site, or are homebound. Information is also available in many languages 24/7 by calling 2-1-1.




Wear a mask that fits and filters well. Wear your most protective mask (such as an N95, KN95, KF94) if you are in a crowded or poorly ventilated place, especially if you are at higher risk for severe disease. See ph.lacounty.gov/masks for more information on the types of masks and when they must be worn in Los Angeles County.




Improve ventilation (air flow). Open windows and doors, use fans and portable air cleaners, run heating and air, and upgrade filters. When possible, choose outdoor spaces for group activities. For more information see the CDC webpage Improving Ventilation in Your Home and the California Department of Public Health flyer Tips for Reducing Risk Indoors.




Test for COVID-19 if you are sick or have been exposed to COVID, and before/after events and travel. Visit ph.lacounty.gov/covidtests to learn more about when and how to get a test.




Stay home when sick. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, stay away from others, and get tested. See ph.lacounty.gov/covidcare.



Ask for COVID-19 medicine right away if you think you have COVID-19, even if your symptoms are mild. Treatment can prevent you from getting very sick but should be started soon after your symptoms begin. Plan ahead to avoid delays:
• Make a list of all your medicines, including over the counter medicines and supplements. The doctor or pharmacy will need to know what medicines you are taking before they can prescribe treatment.
• Visit ph.lacounty.gov/covidmedicines to learn how you can get medicine if you get COVID symptoms.




Practice good everyday hygiene, like washing your hands and covering your coughs and sneezes. Washing your hands is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading germs that cause respiratory illnesses and diarrhea.

If you test positive for COVID-19 or if you are a close contact to someone with COVID-19, you must follow all instructions to protect others. See ph.lacounty.gov/covidisolation and ph.lacounty.gov/covidcontacts.

For more information, see How to Protect Yourself and Others.