Mask Wearing in the Community

Last updated April 4, 2023 at 4:06 PM

Masking is still an important tool for preventing the spread of COVID-19. Check your county’s community level and consider your own risk factors to determine when and where to wear a mask.

On this page:

When to wear a mask

Californians should decide when and where to wear a mask based on COVID-19 community levels and other factors, such as your own personal risk of serious illness.

Here are 3 reasons you might wear a mask:

  • Protect yourself. The most protective masks against viruses like COVID-19 are N95, KN95, and KF94 masks. Masks protect you if you have an underlying health condition, are 50 or older, or have a compromised immune system.
  • Protect others. Masks are still important for protecting vulnerable people in high-risk settings. Also, wear a mask if you are sick.
  • Follow local requirements. Be sure to follow any local masking rules in effect. Your local community facility or health center may require it.

Masks are recommended for everyone when community levels of COVID-19 infections are higher.

Regardless of COVID-19 community levels, masking is recommended:
  • If you have respiratory symptoms, such as a cough, runny nose, or sore throat
  • In indoor areas of public transportation, such as in airplanes and buses
  • For 10 days after having a significant exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
  • For 10 days after COVID-19 symptoms begin (or after testing positive if you don’t have symptoms)

Learn more:

Illustration of a man and a woman wearing masks while riding a train

Your local area may require masks where the state doesn’t. Check your area’s COVID-19 website.

Upgrade your mask

When cases are on the rise or your risk is higher, increase your protection by upgrading your mask.

Most effective:

  • N95

More effective:

  • KF94
  • KN95
  • Surgical plus cloth mask

Effective:

  • Surgical mask

Least effective:

  • Cloth mask with 3 or more layers

Whatever mask you wear, make sure it fits to your face closely and without gaps.

Learn more:

Mask-wearing exemptions

The following individuals should not wear masks:

  • Children under two years old, due to the risk of suffocation
  • People with:
    • A medical condition, 
    • Mental health condition, or 
    • Disability that precludes wearing a mask. This includes those:
      • For whom a mask could obstruct breathing
      • Who are unconscious or incapacitated 
      • Who are unable to remove a mask without help
  • People for whom wearing a mask would create a risk as they work, as determined by:
    • Local, state, or federal regulators, or 
    • Workplace safety guidelines

Masking at work

For information on masking in the workplace, please refer to: