Face Coverings

Page last updated 10/26/2023

Wearing a high-quality and well-fitting mask can help protect you from breathing in viruses, wildfire smoke, and other particles or germs in the air. Mask wearing may be an especially good precaution for anyone who has a weakened immune system, is at higher risk for getting very sick from respiratory illnesses, has a history of breathing/lung issues, or has environmental exposures.

In agreement with California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the County of San Diego recommends wearing a mask if you are at higher risk for getting very sick from respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, flu, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV.), in a crowded indoor public setting that may have poor ventilation, including public transportation and other congregate settings, or traveling.
People at higher risk for severe respiratory infection include:
- Older adults,
- People with certain medical conditions,
- People who are immunocompromised,
- People with certain disabilities or underlying health conditions, and
- People who are pregnant or were recently pregnant.

Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Local health jurisdictions and other entities may continue to have requirements in specific settings based on local circumstances, including in certain higher- risk settings or during certain situations that may necessitate mask requirements.

County of San Diego

CDPH

CDC

For more information, contact the Epidemiology Unit at (619) 692-8499 or send us an e-mail.