COVID-19 remains an important public health threat, but it is no longer the emergency that it once was, and its health impacts increasingly resemble those of other respiratory viral illnesses, including influenza and RSV. CDC has issued updated Respiratory Virus Guidance that provides the public with recommendations and information about effective steps and strategies tailored to the current level of risk posed by COVID-19 and other common respiratory viral illnesses. The updated guidance emphasizes the importance of staying home and away from others when sick from respiratory viruses, regardless of the virus, as well as additional preventive actions.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has reviewed CDC's recent guidance and updated its recommendations for the general public to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, accessible here: Staying home to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses | Mass.gov.

To learn more about CDC’s updated guidance for how people can protect themselves and their communities from respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, see the following:

• Respiratory Virus Guidance
• Background for CDC's Updated Respiratory Virus Guidance
• Mass.gov: Protect yourself and others from getting sick
• Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You're Sick
• Watch CDC Leadership Provide an Overview of Respiratory Virus Guidance
• Respiratory Virus Guidance Snapshot (cdc.gov)