San Mateo County and the Bay Area region are seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases. With a greater presence of the disease in our community, it’s important to pay attention to protective measures like being current with vaccinations and boosters, getting tested if you have symptoms, wearing high-quality masks (like N95 or KN95), and increasing indoor ventilation – open windows and doors where possible and avoid indoor spaces with poor ventilation. The usual steps for protecting yourself and your community are more important now as cases are starting to rise. To view the current transmission level in San Mateo County please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Community Transmission Level tracker.
The CDC provides information on COVID-19 Community Levels and risk prevention. The CDC also offers a Community Transmission Level tool to monitor the rates of COVID-19 in various counties. For state data on COVID-19 and vaccination rates, visit the CDPH site Tracking COVID-19 in California. As transmission rates increase in your area, it is recommended to increase preventative strategies, such as getting your booster shot and wearing a mask.
Proper indoor ventilation while gathering inside reduces the spread of COVID-19. Proper ventilation includes opening windows and doors to bring fresh air in or using an air filtration system (please check air quality during fire season prior to opening windows and doors). Using an air filtration system indoors can reduce COVID-19 particles in the air by 72% after an hour of use. Leaving a single window open for an hour can reduce COVID-19 particles by 44%. Practicing these simple steps when gathering indoors, can significantly reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. For further guidance on indoor ventilation from the CDC, visit Improving Ventilation in Your Home.
The risk of getting COVID-19 varies according to individual susceptibility and the number of virus particles to which a person is exposed. The fewer virus particles in the air, the better. Adjusting ventilation settings can reduce the number of particles and infections.
Bring as much fresh air into your home as possible.
Filter the air in your home.
Use fans to improve air flow.
Consider using a portable air cleaner, particularly when you have guests.