COVID-19

With COVID-19 levels rising in San Mateo County and the region County Health recommends being up to date with vaccines, staying at home if you are sick, testing if you have symptoms, and to consider wearing a mask. If you do get sick with COVID-19 talk to your health care provider about treatment.

Current Situation

COVID-19 activity has been increasing in California and San Mateo County in recent weeks and activity is currently high. During periods of higher activity, it is especially important to take steps to protect yourself and those around you. See Prevention section below for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccines continue to be the best defense against severe illness and death. New formulations of COVID-19 vaccine for the 2024-2025 season are expected to be available this fall. These updated vaccines are designed to better match currently circulating strains, and CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months and older receive the updated vaccine once it’s available.

In the meantime, COVID-19 vaccines released previously are still available and can offer protection for those who are not up to date on vaccine.

Prevention

Respiratory viruses like COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), circulate year-round in the U.S. and California. These viruses are typically more active in fall and winter, though increases can happen any time of year, including summers.

Simple actions can lower the chances of getting and spreading respiratory viruses. These precautions are especially important for people at higher risk of severe illness.

Stay Up to Date on Vaccines

Vaccines are the best defense against severe illness and death. Visit MyTurn to schedule your COVID-19 vaccines or contact your health care provider or pharmacy (Costco, CVS, Walgreens, Safeway).

COVID-19 vaccines are available for everyone 6 months and older. Be sure to stay up to date as the vaccine is updated to protect against new variants. Some individuals such as children, people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, and those age 65 or older may need additional doses of vaccine.

Stay Home if You’re Sick

Staying home and taking additional steps when you’re sick or have tested positive slows the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. You can go back to your normal activities 24 hours after your symptoms have gotten better overall and you have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication). Take added precautions over the next 5 days when you will be around other people indoors. 

Test

Test for COVID-19 if you have symptoms. PCR testing and rapid antigen test kits (home test kits) remain widely available through health care providers and pharmacies.

Treat

If you test positive, contact your health care provider and ask about prescription treatments. Most of these medications must be taken within the first 5 days of symptoms.

Consider Wearing a Mask

Wearing a mask can slow the spread of respiratory viruses. Assess how much respiratory virus activity there is in your community, whether you or those around you are at high risk for severe illness, and consider wearing a mask, especially in public indoor or crowded spaces. For more information, visit When and Why to Wear a Mask.

Improve Indoor Air Quality

Opening doors and windows and using fans to bring in fresh air when outdoor air quality is not harmful, optimizing mechanical ventilation (or HVAC) systems, and using portable air cleaning devices can help improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk for airborne transmission of viruses. Learn more about reducing the risk of respiratory infections by improving indoor air quality.

Wash Your Hands

Frequent handwashing, with soap and warm water—for at least 20 seconds—is an easy and effective way to stay healthy and slow the spread of germs. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Cover Your Cough or Sneeze

Cough or sneeze into your elbow, arm, or a disposable tissue. Make sure to throw away your tissue then wash or sanitize your hands.

Learn More

Learn more about respiratory virus prevention.

Residents without Health Coverage

To learn about health coverage options in San Mateo County that may be available to you and your family, please call our Health Coverage Unit at (650) 616-2002 or click here for more information.