Protect Yourself and Others from COVID-19
Get vaccinated, wear a mask, and test when necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
GET TESTED FOR COVID-19
Get tested for COVID-19 if:
- You have COVID-19 symptoms. Symptoms can range from mild to severe illness and may appear 2–14 days after exposure to the virus. Learn more about symptoms from the CDC.
- You do not have symptoms but were exposed to COVID-19 and are at higher risk of severe infection. Test within 5 days of exposure. Learn more about testing from CDPH.
- You were exposed and interact with people at higher risk of severe infection. Consider testing within 5 days of last exposure. Learn about high-risk groups from the CDC.
Use a COVID-19 at-home test and get results in less than 30 minutes. Plan ahead to have COVID-19 tests on hand before getting sick.
GET VACCINATED
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive an updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness. Learn more about vaccination from the CDC.
If you have health insurance, contact your primary care provider to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination appointment. If you are uninsured or underinsured, schedule an appointment through one of the following programs:
- Qualified adults and children can get free COVID-19 vaccines at the City of Berkeley Immunization Clinic. Please call the clinic for additional information at (510) 981-5350.
- Adults without health insurance or whose insurance does not cover the full cost of a COVID-19 vaccine can get a free vaccine by booking an appointment with a provider who participates in the Bridge Access Program.
- Children under 18 who might not otherwise be vaccinated because of inability to pay can get free vaccines through a Vaccines for Children provider.
IF YOU'RE SICK, stay home
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or suspect you have COVID-19, stay home and minimize your contact with other people until you have not had a fever for 24 hours without using fever reducing medication AND other COVID-19 symptoms are mild and improving.
Some additional recommendations include:
- Wear a high-quality mask when you are around other people indoors for the 10 days after you become sick or test positive (if no symptoms). You may remove your mask sooner than 10 days if you have two sequential negative tests at least one day apart.
- Avoid places where you’re unable to wear a mask.
- If you are at higher risk for severe illness, contact your provider to find out about COVID-19 treatment.
- Postpone travel.
Wear a mask
Wearing a mask helps protect yourself and others from the spread of COVID-19. Masks are especially important around vulnerable populations such as those with weakened immune systems, those who are pregnant, and the unvaccinated. Learn more about masks and how to use them.