COVID-19 will be with us for some time to come. As the virus continues to change, we may face new challenges. To keep up, learn how you can be "COVID-19 ready."

Being COVID ready is like preparing for changes in the weather or for even bigger events like an earthquake or a storm. By being COVID ready, you will have the right supplies on hand when you need them.   

How to Stay COVID Ready: 

1. Most important: Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations (vaccination plus booster, if eligible)
   • This is your first layer of defense against the virus, preventing serious illness and hospitalization. 
2. Keep rapid COVID-19 test kits on hand
   • There are options to receive free test kits from the federal program, through health systems and community organizations, or be reimbursed by insurance.  
3. Keep masks handy – you may need them during times of high community spread, or when the situation requires
   • N95s/KN95s or double mask, cloth over surgical, are best.  
4. Plan ahead in case you or a loved one becomes infected
   • For example, you may need a care plan for a child, or a work plan to cover your work duties.  
5. Know how to reach a doctor
   • If you are at high risk for serious illness, you may be eligible for COVID-19 medicine, but you must take it within days of onset of symptoms.  
6. Stay informed
   • Follow COVID news updates and health guidance through reliable and trusted sources of information, such as your local health department (SFDPH) and other government websites 

The San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) is helping communities hardest hit by COVID-19 be COVID Ready by making sure they have the resources on hand – vaccines, masking, and testing – to protect themselves.