Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Preventing COVID-19 helps protect you, your family, and your community by reducing the spread of the virus and easing the strain on health care systems.
Main Prevention Strategies
Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines
Vaccines are one of the most effective defenses against severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. Stay informed about current vaccine recommendations for optimal protection.
Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines.
Practice Good Hygiene
Regular handwashing with soap and water, avoiding touching your face, and covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing are essential hygiene practices that reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.
Improve Air Quality
Enhance ventilation by opening windows or using HEPA filters and air purifiers. Ensure HVAC systems are regularly maintained and filters are replaced as recommended.
Early Treatment
Seek treatment early if you have risk factors for severe illness. Treatment may help lower your risk of severe illness, but it needs to be started within a few days of when your symptoms begin.
Stay Home/Away from Others
Staying home when you're feeling unwell or have tested positive for COVID-19 is a critical step in preventing the spread of the virus to others.
Additional Prevention Measures
Testing
Testing lets you know if you have COVID-19 so you can decide what to do next, like getting treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness and taking steps to lower your chances of spreading the virus to others.
Wear a Mask
Wearing a mask can help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, particularly in crowded indoor settings or during periods of high transmission.
Physical Distancing
Maintaining a safe distance from others can reduce the risk of spreading or contracting respiratory viruses, especially in high-risk settings or during outbreaks.
If You Test Positive for COVID-19 or Have Symptoms
If you test positive or develop symptoms, follow these steps to prevent spreading the virus:
- Stay home and avoid contact with others, including household members.
- Resume normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, symptoms are improved, and you are fever free without the use of fever-reducing medication.
- Wear a mask and take extra precautions for 5 days after returning to normal activities.
Follow CDC guidance for more information.
Note: Feeling well enough to resume regular activities is a strong indicator of recovery. Some symptoms, like a lingering cough, may persist after you’re no longer contagious, but overall well-being and energy are key indicators that you’re ready to return to normal activities.
Post-Exposure Actions
If you have been exposed to COVID-19 or another respiratory virus:
- Implement prevention strategies like masking, improving air flow, practicing good hygiene, and physical distancing.
- If symptoms develop, get tested, and seek treatment if you qualify.
- Avoid contact with high-risk individuals for 5 days and take precautions if contact is unavoidable.