SACRAMENTO COUNTY, Calif. On 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, California health officials ended the state indoor mask mandate for vaccinated people. Alameda County issued a new mask mandate for most indoor public settings effective Friday, becoming the first California county to do so. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Learn more: Read California's updated face-covering guidance. Were saying there is need to worry, Ferrer said. Click here to open it in a new window. This wouldnt be the first time Los Angeles County has acted alone. COVID-19 deaths have been in the headlines again, as Californias death toll surpassed 100,000 last week. COVID-19 Sector Protocols, Best Practices, COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard, COVID-19 Surveillance Interactive Dashboard, Recovery Dashboard, and additional actions you can take to protect yourself, your family and your community are on the Public Health website www.publichealth.lacounty.gov. Sustained jumps in cases and hospitalizations fueled by the hyper-infectious BA.5 subvariant pushed Los Angeles County into the high COVID-19 community level Thursday, a shift that could trigger a new public indoor mask mandate by the end of this month unless conditions improve. That hasnt changed much. Weekly COVID-19 deaths doubled in Los Angeles County over the last month, to 100 from 50 a week. A woman adjusts her facemask while shopping in a clothing store on July 19, 2021 in Los Angeles. A memorial service for the living? | (213)240-8144 | media@ph.lacounty.gov. A county in Californias Bay Area is reviving its mask mandate for most indoor public settings to limit the impact of a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. As of July 11, more than 10,712,037 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to people across Los Angeles County. During the 15 weeks after the statewide masking policy was rescinded, the lifting of masking requirements was associated with an additional 44.9 cases per 1,000 students and staff, the study said, which noted variables, including age of the school buildings and student demographics, among other things. Beginning tomorrow, Friday, July 17 through next Thursday, July 22 at County-run vaccination sites, LA City sites, and St. Johns Well Child and Family Center sites, everyone 18 and older coming to get a vaccine will have an opportunity to win one of seven packages of tickets to family fun at the Staples Center, including performances by the Harlem Globetrotters, Disney on Ice, and the Gold Over America tour starring Simone Biles. Children, however, are still required to keep their masks on at school for at least another two weeks. Unfortunately, they dont all agree. Given both the increases in hospitalizations and the lack of certainty in the winter trajectory for COVID-19, continuing some common-sense mitigation strategies that we know work to limit transmission and illness, including masking and being up to date on vaccines and boosters, remains a very sensible approach, Ferrer said. However, given continued increases in cases and the potential for a corresponding rise in hospitalizations over the weeks to come at this point, its much more likely that we will stay in high for these two weeks, said county Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer. San Luis Obispo, CA County of San Luis Obispo Health Officer Dr. Penny Borenstein announced today that the local Health Officer Order requiring masking in all indoor public places will be lifted next Wednesday, Feb. 16 in alignment with state masking policy. Todays test positivity rate is 3.7%; on June 15, the test positivity rate was around 0.5%. Feb. 27, 2023. "We are able to take this next major step of removing the universal indoor mask requirement because we have laid a strong foundation in good public health protections -- especially vaccines and boosters -- and know we can reduce severe illness, hospitalizations and deaths," Contra Costa County Health Officer Dr. Ori Tzvieli said. There are sometimes discrepancies between state data and data reported by counties. Were caring for more kids than we have beds for, Dr. James Schneider, head of the pediatric intensive care unit at Long Island Jewish Hospital, said at the time. In the Bay Area, only Solano County did not issue an indoor mask mandate. California updated its indoor mask mandate for public settings in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. San Diego Countys mask mandate didnt keep COVID-19 cases from spiking, but the question is whether masks kept the numbers from becoming even larger. As a result, the order received significantly less attention in the region, affecting just 1.6 million residents among 7.7 million who live in the Bay Area. L.A. County health officials plan to lift the mask order once the county dips back into the medium COVID-19 community level for two consecutive weeks. 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Children are still required to keep their masks on at school, "We need to layer up, need many layers in place when there's a lot of COVID circulating right now. As a result, some have questioned the wisdom of L.A. Countys approach, as well as whether thered be widespread compliance with new rules. Rene C. Byer rbyer@sacbee.com. We continue to urge all eligible residents to get vaccinated in order to protect themselves and their family and friends. The mandate, which went into effect in mid-July 2020, imposed a more than $600 fine to those who didn't follow mask rules. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the discussion of mask mandates and other measures aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19 has been taking place through the prism of cultural and political perspectives. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. The Los Angeles County Health Officer Order will be modified to require masking for everyone while indoors, regardless of vaccination status, as Los Angeles County sees more than a seven-times increase in new cases since the June 15 reopening. Ferrer acknowledged that, for many, reinstituting an indoor mask order will feel like a step backward and that for others it will feel unnecessary because of the availability of powerful vaccines and therapeutics., The reality is that because were living with a mutating SARS-CoV-2 virus, there remains uncertainty around the trajectory of this pandemic, she said. One training complex in Arizona features two Bryce Millers as Padres, Mariners dive into preseason slate, Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceSign Up For Our NewslettersSite Map, Copyright 2023, The San Diego Union-Tribune |, Merrilee Kazarian wears a face mask while waiting for the ferry in downtown San Diego on July 7, 2022. To hit the high designation, the countys weekly case rate would have to be at least 200 per 100,000 residents and its hospital admissions reach more than 10 per 100,000 residents. Fresno County Sheriff's Office staffs snowcat full-time during storm. Patrons also would be able to take off their masks indoors when actively eating or drinking. "Masks are an effective tool to minimize spread of the virus and future variants, especially when transmission rates are high. Health & Human Services Agency Sec. Masks. Here are notable counties that announced it will not align with the state's decision to ditch the indoor mask mandate: As for Southern California counties, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties are aligning with the state's decision to part with the indoor mask mandate starting Wednesday, February, 16. The mask and distancing mandates and closures all started before vaccines were available. Is the Bay Area next? As of Thursday, the hospital admission rate already exceeded the CDCs threshold, with 11.9 new admissions per 100,000 residents. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. list of masks recommended by the California government. Always check with trusted sources for the latest accurate information about novel coronavirus: The Department of Public Health is committed to promoting health equity and ensuring optimal health and well-being for all 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. 2023 FOX Television Stations, until THU 12:00 AM PST, San Bernardino County Mountains, until WED 10:00 PM PST, Los Angeles County Mountains excluding the Santa Monica Range, Riverside County Mountains, Ventura County Mountains, Los Angeles County outdoor mask mandate to be lifted at midnight, including at schools, Couple pleads guilty to murdering newborn baby in Oxnard, This California city named 'happiest' in America for 3rd-straight year, Encino woman extradited from Montenegro to serve sentence for COVID-19 loan fraud, 'Miracle' dog survives 17 days in Big Bear snowstorm before reuniting with family, I didnt realize: Woman mistakenly eats heart-shaped chip that could have won her 100K, Mudslide triggers closure of Malibu Canyon Road near PCH, Some San Bernardino County residents remain trapped in mountains as storm cleanup continues, California board denies parole for RFK killer Sirhan Sirhan, Southern California storm: Region hit with heavy rain, mountain snow, gusty winds, Panorama City crash: Police release bodycam video of pursuit that killed two innocent men, Student fatally stabbed during fight at Santa Rosa high school. County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health Communications & Public Affairs 313 N. Figueroa Street, Room 806 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Phone: (213) 240-8144 Fax: (213) 481-1406 media@ph.lacounty.gov. Your Privacy Choices (Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads). He is an East Bay native who has a Master's degree in journalism from Stanford University. I dont want a mild case and Im a healthy person., (Ariana Drehsler / For The San Diego Union-Tribune), Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Column: The grim parallel paths of Todd Gloria and Kevin Faulconer, Column: State accountability push on homelessness presents a challenge for San Diego, Column: About that mile walk to buses and trolleys , Column: Same-sex marriage to follow abortion as big California ballot measure, Column: State seeks to boost cannabis industry with food and money. Sacramento County health officials issued an indoor mask mandate in late July after the state lifted its previous universal mandate on June 15. Critics say some measures, such as school and business closures, did more harm than good. WebAlameda County health officials announced Thursday that face masks will once again be required in most indoor public settings starting at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, regardless of vaccination status.. Alameda County lifted its mask mandate last February but in a press release Thursday, health officials said COVID hospitalization rates have more than Here's some guidance from the state of California on current mask recommendations and requirements. COVID-19 deaths have been in the headlines again, as Californias death toll surpassed 100,000 last week. The Celine Dion, Grupo Firma, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, and Dan and Shay at Staples Center tickets, and box seats to four classical concerts at the Hollywood Bowl sweepstakes is in effect through today. Starting Wednesday, all residents will be required to wear face coverings indoors As COVID infections continue to climb, Los Angeles authorities are urging residents to follow through with vaccination. But again, the variables make that difficult to assess. ", VIDEO: Could the pandemic end soon? That may have seemed like a technical footnote to many people, if they were paying attention at all. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The latest maps and charts on the spread of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County, including cases, deaths, closures and restrictions. If your child begins their two-dose series for the Pfizer vaccine today, they would be able to get their second dose of the vaccine on August 5 and would be fully vaccinated as of August 19. COVID-19 pandemic most likely began with a lab leak, U.S. Department of Energy says. Pedestrians wearing face masks walk down Market street in San Francisco, Calif. on August 5, 2021. Is it COVID, a cold or the flu? The medium risk level still only makes masking strongly recommended.. Here's what experts say about endemic phase, Santa Clara County will not follow the state's lead, Travelers coming into CA should make COVID testing part of their travel plans, state recommends. "We share our deepest condolences with those of you who have lost friends, loved ones, and family during this difficult time, said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer. People for whom seeing the mouth is essential for communication - hearing impaired or those communicating with a person who is hearing impaired. Masks work best when everyone wears one. The mandate, which went into effect in mid-July 2020, imposed a more than $600 fine to those who didn't follow mask rules. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The Court will be Ferrer said on Tuesday that the county's rate is declining, and at the current pace, it should reach the "moderate" level by March 16, meaning the indoor mask requirement could be lifted by March 30. There have been plenty of other studies that come to different conclusions than the Cochrane study. RELATED: Mask mandate to remain in place for CA schools as guidelines lift for other indoor activities. The new rule applies to schools and child care facilities. California to lift mask mandate in schools on March 12. I wasn't a BeyHive member. Feb. 27, 2023. Children under two years old are exempt at all times, due to the risk of suffocation. Yes. However, should the county move ahead with a wider indoor mask mandate, it will do so alone. Most, but not all, California counties will soon move on from the indoor mask mandate. There are 406 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized and 22% of these people are in the ICU. Nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health comprises nearly 4,500 employees and has an annual budget of $1.2 billion. Many people feel like the risk is a lot lower right now, and theres no need to worry. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The Court will be transitioning to Zoom for all remote appearances. Virus-related hospital admissions are now at 192 per day, a 200% increase from the same date, she said. As a result, it's somewhat unsurprising it had lower case and hospitalization rates, though it's impossible to assess how much of that difference comes from masks as opposed to vaccines. Local students aided the live launch of a campaign dedicated to expressing gratitude to important people in their lives now before their memorial service. California confirmed its plan to drop its universal indoor mask mandate next week as the omicron surge wanes in the state. The mandate, which went into effect in mid-July 2020, imposed a more than $600 fine to those who didn't follow mask rules. Concerns about the LA County COVID surge are compounded by an uptick in flu and RSV cases in the winter months. Currently, there are no counties in the San Francisco Bay Area that have converted their recommendations into mandates, a slight surprise given the fact that the region has often been more aggressive than the rest of the state. The number of weekly reported COVID-19 deaths has also doubled over the last month, from 50 to 100. Relatively low numbers of people followed the guidance about wearing masks or about hand hygiene, which may have affected the results of the studies.. Mask mandates have fallen and there are far fewer people wearing face coverings these days. Children will still be required to keep their masks on at school, though California will reassess that on Feb. 28. 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