Important update: Healthcare facilities
CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more
UPDATE
Given new evidence on the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, CDC has updated the guidance for fully vaccinated people. CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. Children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with layered prevention strategies in place.
UPDATE
The White House announced that vaccines will be required for international travelers coming into the United States, with an effective date of November 8, 2021. For purposes of entry into the United States, vaccines accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines. More information is available here.

Improving the Air in Your Home

Improving the Air in Your Home
Updated Sept. 13, 2022
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Stay Safe from COVID-19

COVID-19 can spread when a sick person breathes out air.
The COVID-19 virus may be in the air they breathe out.
Someone else can get COVID-19 by breathing in this air.
Clear and filter the air when other people are in your home.
Clear and filter the air in your home to stay safe from COVID-19.

Guests are visiting the home. Everyone is wearing a mask. The door and window of the home are opened wide.

Clearing the Air Helps Stop COVID-19

Let in air from outside to clear the air in your home.
Open doors to let in air from outside.
Open doors as wide as you can do safely.
Open windows to let in air from outside.
Open windows as wide as you can do safely.

A woman is in the kitchen opening the fridge. The ceiling fan is on, the exhaust fan over oven is on, and the air conditioning window unit is on..

Use fans to clear the air in your home.
Turn on the exhaust fans in your bathroom and kitchen.
Use a fan to blow air out an open window.
Turn on ceiling fans.

Filtering the Air Helps Stop COVID-19

Heating and air conditioning systems help filter the air in your home.

The thermostat fan is turned on.

Some heating and air conditioning systems have thermostats.
Turn the thermostat fan to “on” instead of “auto.”

Some heating and air conditioning systems have filters.
Use a pleated filter.
Change the filter every 3 months.
Ask a professional if you need help.

A HEPA filter is filtering the air in the home.

Portable air cleaners also help filter the air in your home.
The best portable air cleaners are called “HEPA” cleaners.
HEPA cleaners can be found online or in hardware stores.