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The indoor mask mandate for vaccinated people in California will be lifted next week.
Officials say the mandate will expire on Monday as COVID cases continue to decline in the state, but those who are unvaccinated will continue to have to wear masks indoors. The mask mandate also remains in place for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals on public transit and in high risk areas like hospitals and nursing homes. The mask requirement will remain in place for now in California schools, but the state is working on updating the policy.
Indoor mega events of more than 1000 people will also still require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test, and unvaccinated will need to wear masks. "Omicron has loosened its hold on California, vaccines for children under 5 are around the corner, and access to COVID-19 treatments is improving," said state Public Health Officer Dr. Tomás J. Aragón. "With things moving in the right direction, we are making responsible modifications to COVID-19 prevention measures, while also continuing to develop a longer-term action plan for the state."
Cities can continue to enforce a local mask mandate if there is already one in place.