CDPH issues Statewide indoor masking mandate

Effective December 15, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is requiring masks to be worn in all indoor public settings irrespective of vaccine status through January 15, 2022, at which point California will make further recommendations as needed in response to the pandemic. This is in response to a 47% increase in COVID-19 case rates and a 14% increase in hospitalizations since Thanksgiving, according to the state. See updated Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings at http://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/guidance-for-face-coverings.aspx.

“We continue to encourage our community to utilize as many layers of protection as possible to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19, especially as we head into the holidays,” says Brynn Carrigan, Director of Kern County Public Health. “Staying in overall good health through healthy eating and regular exercise remains crucial in our fight against COVID-19.”

Recommended layers of protection include:

• Getting vaccinated against COVID-19.

• Getting your COVID-19 booster as soon as eligible.

• Wearing a mask while in indoor public settings.

• Staying home when sick.

• Washing your hands often.

• Eating a well-balanced diet.

• Regularly exercising.

Additionally, CDPH updated requirements for attending mega events, like concerts and sporting events. Prior to attending an event, attendees will now require either proof of vaccination, a negative antigen COVID-19 test within one day of the event or a negative PCR test within two days of the event. See updated Mega Events guidance at http://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Beyond-Blueprint-Framework.aspx.

CDPH also issued a new travel advisory, effective immediately, recommending that all travelers arriving in California test for COVID-19 within three to five days after arrival, regardless of their vaccination status. See current Travel Advisory at http://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Travel-Advisory.aspx.