Protect Your Household from COVID-19

COVID-19 spreads mainly through close contact with someone who is infected. People who are infected but do not show symptoms can also spread the virus to others. The best ways to prevent illness and death are to get vaccinated and avoid being exposed to the virus.

7 Tools for Protection Against COVID-19

You’re up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations if you have gotten your primary series* of COVID-19 vaccine and all recommended booster doses when you are eligible.

*The primary series includes an additional dose of mRNA vaccine for people who have compromised (weakened) immune systems.

Follow this guidance to protect your household and lower the chances of catching and spreading COVID-19.

Whether or not you’re vaccinated

You're still required to wear a mask:
- If a healthcare setting, business, private school, camp, or other entity requires it
- In public K-12 schools or institutes of higher education as required by the town, city, or school administration
If you travel outside the US and US territories, learn what’s required on our travel page.
Watch for symptoms of COVID-19, especially if you’ve been around someone who is sick.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, isolate at home, call your healthcare provider, and get a COVID-19 test.
- Test Positive for COVID-19? Here’s What to Do
Get treatment if you’re eligible. If you’ve tested positive, ask your doctor right away about treatment.
If you have a medical condition or are taking medications that weaken the immune system, talk to your healthcare provider about your activities. Even if you’re fully vaccinated, you may need to keep protecting yourself from COVID-19 by following the unvaccinated guidance below.
RIDOH recommends wearing a mask indoors near anyone you don’t live with if Rhode Island becomes a high-risk area.
If you choose to wear a mask, make sure it’s at least two layers thick and fits snugly but comfortably over your nose, mouth, and chin without any gaps.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Or carry and use hand sanitizer that’s at least 60% alcohol.

If you’re not up to date with your vaccines

Get vaccinated.
- All people ages 6 months and older are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. Setting up an appointment is quick and easy.
- COVID-19 vaccines are safe, highly effective against serious illness, and reduce the risk of infecting others.
- Vaccination helps protect against COVID-19 variants by reducing their spread.
Sign up for a free test at portal.ri.gov or by calling 401-222-8022.
Continue to take it outside. Open windows and doors to increase air flow when you’re indoors near people you don’t live with.
Stay home and apart from others if you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or if you are in quarantine or isolation. Learn more at covid.ri.gov/whattodo.

If you’re up to date with your vaccines or had confirmed COVID-19 within the last 90 days (lab-based test)

18 or older:
- If you don’t have symptoms but have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19, you don’t need to quarantine but you should:
  - Get tested 5 days after exposure
  - Wear a mask for 10 days
  - Monitor for symptoms for 10 days after exposure
- Note: People age 6 months through 17 years do not need to quarantine if they have completed their primary vaccine series. However, they should follow the above guidance, where it applies.