Protect Yourself & Others: COVID-19
Slow the spread
In general, the more people you interact with, the more closely you interact with them, and the longer that interaction, the higher your risk of getting and spreading COVID-19.
It is up to all of us to protect ourselves and others by following recommendations to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccine is one of the best things you can get to prevent getting or spreading COVID-19.
If you are not fully vaccinated (including children):
Keep at least 6 feet away from people from other households.
Wear a mask when recommended by MDH or CDC. Refer to Face Covering Requirements and Recommendations.
If you are fully vaccinated, learn more at About COVID-19 Vaccine: For fully vaccinated people.
Vaccinated or not vaccinated, MDH strongly recommends that you:
Wash your hands often, with soap and water. Wash for at least 20 seconds.
If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol.
Follow guidance on staying home (quarantine) if you were exposed to someone who has COVID-19. People who are fully vaccinated may not need to quarantine in many situations. Learn more at Close Contacts and Tracing.
Stay home if you are sick.
Cover Your Cough: cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue. Throw used tissues in the trash. Wash your hands.
Follow COVID-19 testing recommendations for when you travel, have COVID-19 symptoms, or are exposed to COVID-19.
Work from home if possible.
Clean and then disinfect surfaces. Learn more at CDC: Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Home.
Gatherings
Safer Celebrations during COVID-19: Holidays and Other Gatherings
Indoor Air Considerations: COVID-19 Learn more about how to improve airflow, ventilation, circulation, and more.
Masks and face coverings
On May 13, 2021, Governor Walz announced the end of Minnesota's statewide face covering requirement. Refer to Face Covering Requirements and Recommendations for more information. We will update relevant guidance as soon as possible.
Face coverings, often called masks, can help stop your germs from infecting others. Research has shown that wearing masks reduces the risk of infection, especially when combined with other prevention efforts such as washing your hands often and staying 6 feet away from others.
Your mask should have at least two layers of tightly woven fabric, cover your nose and mouth completely, and fit snugly against your face without gaps.
How masks work
The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be mostly spread by respiratory droplets and particles that are released when people talk, cough, or sneeze. Wearing a mask stops these droplets from spreading to others. This is extra important because around 40-50% of people with COVID-19 do not have symptoms but can still spread the virus.
Wearing a mask does not mean people who are sick should be in public. Stay home if you are sick unless you need to seek medical care.
People at increased risk
Risk for severe illness increases with age, and people of any age who have underlying medical conditions may have a greater risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. Ask your health care provider if you have greater risk of getting sicker from COVID-19.
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