California Brings Back Indoor Mask Mandate As COVID-19 Cases Surge After Thanksgiving
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – California public health leaders are reinstituting a universal indoor mask requirement.
Dr. Mark Ghaly, the state's Health and Human Services Secretary, announced the mandate on Monday. He cited statistics that show a significant increase in COVID-19 cases across the state since the Thanksgiving holiday.
Breaking: Indoor #MaskMandate returns to California, statewide, from 12/15 to 1/15, says @CAPublicHealth & CHHS Secy Ghaly. #COVID case rate +47% in last 3 weeks due to both #Omicron & #DELTA
— Doug Sovern (@SovernNation) December 13, 2021
Many CA counties already do, but now all must require masks in indoor public spaces.
The mandate means everyone, regardless of their vaccination status, is being directed to wear a mask indoors.
Further, more requirements are also being put in place for people who are unvaccinated and trying to attend so-called mega-events like concerts and sporting events. People who are unvaccinated will now need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test 48 hours or less before the event.
Along with the surge in COVID-19 cases, the requirements come at the same time that the omicron variant has spiked fears of a new wave.
The requirements will go into effect Dec. 15 and will stay in place until Jan. 15, 2022.