Prevention and Staying Safe

Last updated June 22, 2022

Visit http://bit.ly/WCC19LVL to see what COVID-19 Community Level Washtenaw County is currently at, as well as what precautions to take at that level.

Please note this is prevention guidance for the general public - certain settings (like medical or congregate settings, etc.) may have additional guidance

Layer up prevention methods!

Each of these actions reduces the risk of spreading and getting COVID-19, but none of them are 100% effective on their own. By combining these strategies, we reduce our risk and increase our chances of staying safe and healthy.

It is especially important for people who aren’t up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines or who are more vulnerable to serious illness to layer up these strategies.

Everyone is encouraged to use available, effective strategies to prevent and reduce the spread of illness in our community, including:

Vaccination

Get vaccinated and stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines. Getting vaccinated helps prevent you from COVID-related serious illness and reduces your risk of spreading COVID-19 to others. Make sure you get your booster dose as soon as you’re eligible.

Wear a mask when appropriate

Well fitting masks can help prevent the spread of COVID-19. A multilayer surgical, KN95, or N95 mask is recommended rather than a cloth mask. People can wear a mask based on preference or risk. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask! Want to pick up a free pack of KN95 masks? See how to pick them up from the Health Department here.

Ventilation

Maintain improved ventilation throughout indoor spaces when possible.

Testing

Getting tested for COVID-19 can prevent spread to others. Consider getting tested before indoor gatherings or around 5 days after an exposure to reduce risk. Avoid others and get tested if you develop COVID symptoms. If you test positive, talk to your doctor right away about treatment options to prevent severe illness.

Isolation & Quarantine Guidance

Follow public health guidance if you test positive or are exposed to COVID-19.

Preventative Medication

Evusheld is an investigational medicine that can help protect you from getting COVID-19. You may be eligible for Evusheld if you:

Are moderately or severely immunocompromised and may not mount an adequate immune response to COVID-19 vaccination OR have a history of severe allergic reactions to COVID-19 vaccines, and
Do not currently have COVID-19 and have not recently had close contact with someone with COVID-19, and
Are an adult or adolescent ages 12 years and older weighing at least 88 pounds (40 kg).

Evusheld contains two different antibodies that can help prevent COVID-19. It must be given by your healthcare provider before exposure to COVID-19. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if this option is right for you. Even if you receive Evusheld, taking multiple prevention steps can provide additional layers of protection from COVID-19.

Practice Proper Hygiene

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the inside of your elbow. Immediately wash your hands.
Clean your hands often
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, and before eating or preparing food. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. A list of disinfectants for use against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease) is available from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).