COVID-19 Prevention

These are the best ways to protect yourself and the people around you from getting and spreading COVID-19. A layered approach — using multiple prevention methods — provides the strongest protection.

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Get vaccinated and get boosted

COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of getting and spreading the virus and provide strong protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. If you've already received your initial vaccine series, it may be time to get a booster shot or an additional dose for stronger, longer-lasting protection. Learn more about getting vaccinated at covidvax.alaska.gov.

Wear a mask

Wear a mask indoors in public, especially if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission:

When cases are high in your community, this is an important protective measure even if you are vaccinated. You can check the alert level in your community on the COVID-19 cases dashboard.

In general, you do not need to wear a mask in outdoor settings, but you might consider wearing a mask during crowded outdoor activities when you're in close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated:

Use caution when gathering with others

Being around others is important to our health and well-being, but keep in mind that the risk of virus transmission is higher in places like restaurants, bars, fitness centers, or movie theaters.

Protect yourself when cases are high by minimizing time indoors around others, especially in crowded spaces with poor ventilation.

Spend time with others outdoors when you can. Wearing a mask when indoors around others can help protect you and those around you. Consider getting tested before or after an event, like a concert or a large family celebration, especially if it includes older adults or those with significant underlying medical conditions that put them at high risk for serious illness.

Physical distancing — staying 6 feet from others — can also be an important tool. Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Wash your hands

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Cover coughs and sneezes

If you are wearing a mask, cough or sneeze into your mask. Put on a new, clean mask as soon as possible and wash your hands.

If you are not wearing a mask, always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or use the inside of your elbow. Immediately wash your hands.

Clean and disinfect

Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces daily, especially if someone in your household is sick or has tested positive for COVID-19. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

Monitor your health daily

Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19. If symptoms develop, take your temperature and follow CDC guidance. Stay home if you are sick to prevent spreading illness to others.

Focus on your overall health and wellness

Taking care of your mental and physical health can help protect you from severe illness from COVID-19 and other diseases too. Eat healthy foods, get plenty of rest, exercise regularly, and stay connected to friends and family.

Please seek help if you need it. Careline Alaska provides 24/7 mental health support at 1-877-266-4357 (HELP). The DHSS Section of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion offers many free programs to help you improve your overall health and prevent disease.

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