ADDITIONAL UPDATES

Update to Data Modeling Tool

Beginning the week of October 10th, California's data modeling COVID-19 assessment tool, CalCAT will evolve from the "California COVID Assessment Tool" to the "California Communicable diseases Assessment Tool." In addition to forecasts for COVID-19, the website will also display short-term forecasts and longer-term scenario modeling for influenza. 

In line with the state's SMARTER Plan, the expansion of CalCAT will help CDPH track and address additional disease outbreaks beyond COVID-19.  

Slow the Spread: Get Vaccinated and Boosted for COVID-19

The risk for COVID-19 exposure and infection continues as a number of Californians remain unvaccinated and unboosted.

Real-world evidence continues to show that the vaccine prevents severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Public health officials urge Californians to get vaccinated and boosted as soon as they are eligible.

It is recommended that every individual six months of age and older receive their primary COVID-19 vaccine series and booster dose, if eligible.

Find a vaccine near you by visiting MyTurn or calling 1-833-422-4255. The consent of a parent or legal guardian may be needed for those under age 18 to receive a vaccination. Visit Vaccinate All 58 to learn more about the safe and effective vaccines available for all Californians six months of age and older.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms, talk to a health care provider right away to learn if you qualify for treatment. You can also find Test to Treat locations that offer COVID-19 testing and free treatment. If you are uninsured, find free Test to Treat services at OptumServe sites

Your Actions Save Lives

Protect yourself, family, friends, and your community by following these prevention measures:

• Wear A Mask: California's mask guidance aligns with CDC COVID-19 Community Levels. Know your community level to evaluate risk and inform your decision on when to mask. Local jurisdictions may have additional requirements beyond the state requirements based on local conditions.
• Upgrade Your Mask: Good fit and filtration continue to be the best way to get the most out of your mask. The best masks for preventing COVID-19 include the N95, KN95 and KF94. If you don't have access to one of these masks, wear a surgical mask or a surgical mask with a cloth mask on top. If you choose a fabric mask, opt for one with three or more cloth layers. No matter what kind of mask you wear, check the fit by avoiding gaps above the nose or on the sides.
  

• My Vaccine Record is an easy way to show vaccination status at venues or businesses that require proof of vaccination. Visit the Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record website today to get your vaccine record.
  

• Know What to Do if You're Sick or Have Been Exposed: If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches), or believe you have been exposed, get tested, call your health care provider, and stay home and away from others. Free, confidential testing is available statewide. Know what to do if you test positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed to COVID-19.
  

• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Travel tips: Do not travel if you are sick or have tested positive for COVID-19. Delay travel (both domestic and international) until you are fully vaccinated.  See the CDC's full travel guidance. 
  

• Add Your Phone to the Fight:  Sign up for COVID-19 exposure notifications from CA Notify. Also, individuals who test positive for COVID-19 – including those who test at home – are able to alert others of a potential exposure more quickly and conveniently. Individuals can now initiate the notification process as soon as they are aware of their positive test result. For more information, please visit the "Notify Others" page on CA Notify.
  

• Answer the call or text if a contact tracer from the CA COVID Team or your local health department tries to connect.
  

• Sign-Up for COVID-19 Policy Alerts: COVID-19 Policy Alerts provide up-to-date information regarding CDPH COVID-19 guidance and policy, including changes to orders, mandatory guidance and more. Registrants will receive prompt email alerts to updated guidance and policy available on our website as well as accompanying translations. Sign-up for the COVID-19 Policy Alerts emails today.
  

• Check with your local health department about local conditions. Local health jurisdictions can implement protocols that are stricter than state guidance. 
  

Tracking COVID-19 in California

• Data and Tools – Models and dashboards for researchers, scientists and the public
• COVID-19 Age, Race & Ethnicity Data – Weekly updated Age, Race & Ethnicity data
• Health Equity Dashboard – See how COVID-19 highlights existing inequities in health
• Tracking Variants – Data on the variants California is currently monitoring
  
• Safe Schools for All Hub – Information about safe in-person instruction
• COVID-19 Wastewater Surveillance – Monitoring the virus that causes COVID-19
  

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)

• As of September 12, there have been 1,014 cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) reported statewide. MIS-C is a rare inflammatory condition associated with COVID-19 that can damage multiple organ systems. MIS-C can require hospitalization and be life threatening.​