Holidays and COVID-19

Stay safe during the holidays. Celebrate in ways that don’t spread COVID-19. If you want to meet with family indoors and without masks, get vaccinated now.

Gathering safely

As you gather with friends and family, keep COVID-19 in mind. Take steps to prevent its spread.

• Get vaccinated. It’s the best way to protect others.
• Keep gatherings small
• If everyone at an indoor gathering is fully vaccinated, masks are optional
• If your guests are unvaccinated or you don’t know their status, plan gatherings that are small, short, and outdoors.
• Wear a mask over your nose and mouth:
  • When social distancing is not possible
  • When you might be around unvaccinated people, especially indoors
  • When around older individuals or people with medical conditions
• When gathering inside, ventilate well. Open doors and windows, run HVAC systems, and install high-quality air filters.
• Check local conditions. Your county may have stricter guidance than the state. Take extra precautions when local levels of virus transmission are high.
• Activate CA Notify and ask your guests to do the same. CA Notify anonymously notifies individuals of a possible exposure.
• Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms
• Stay home if you are sick

Learn more at CDPH’s Holiday Gatherings & Travel page.