Monday, May 17, 2021
California Staying the Mask Course for Now
Posted By Kimberly Wear @kimberly_wear on Mon, May 17, 2021 at 12:36 PM
California's mask mandate for indoor settings and crowded outdoor events will remain in effect until at least June 15.
Mark Ghaly, California Health and Human Services secretary, made the announcement this morning in regard to last week's interim recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that stated vaccinated individuals no longer needed to wear masks indoors.
Read the county Joint Information Center release below:
Mark Ghaly, California Health and Human Services secretary, made the announcement this morning in regard to last week's interim recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that stated vaccinated individuals no longer needed to wear masks indoors.
“On June 15, California plans to implement the CDC’s guidelines around masking to allow fully vaccinated Californians to go without a mask in most indoor settings," Ghaly said in a statement. "This four-week period will give Californians time to prepare for this change while we continue our relentless focus on delivering vaccines, particularly in underserved communities."
The doctor also urged those who are eligible and have not yet done so to get vaccinated. Appointments are now open to those age 12 and older.
While many areas of the state are seeing marked improvement in COVID-19 numbers, Humboldt County is not, with 138 new cases reported last week. Hospitalizations and deaths have also increased in recent weeks, which local health officials attribute to the more contagious and virulent B.1.1.7 variant circulating in the community.
The doctor also urged those who are eligible and have not yet done so to get vaccinated. Appointments are now open to those age 12 and older.
While many areas of the state are seeing marked improvement in COVID-19 numbers, Humboldt County is not, with 138 new cases reported last week. Hospitalizations and deaths have also increased in recent weeks, which local health officials attribute to the more contagious and virulent B.1.1.7 variant circulating in the community.
Read the county Joint Information Center release below:
California will keep its current indoor masking guidance without making any changes until June 15, the California Health and Human Services (CHHS) agency announced today. CHHS Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly announced the continuation of the existing guidance in a virtual news conference this morning.
Dr. Ghaly said California reviewed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance and decided to stay with June 15 as the date those who are fully vaccinated will no longer be required to wear a mask. June 15 marks the day Gov. Gavin Newsom said the Blueprint for a Safer Economy restrictions would be lifted.
View the Humboldt County Data Dashboard online at humboldtgov.org/dashboard, or go to humboldtgov.org/DashboardArchives to download today’s data. For the most recent COVID-19 information, visit cdc.gov or cdph.ca.gov. Local information is available at humboldtgov.org or by contacting covidinfo@co.humboldt.ca.us or calling 707-441-5000.
Read the statement from CHHS Secretary Mark Ghaly below:
“California has made amazing progress in our fight against COVID-19. With more than 34 million vaccines administered, we now have among the lowest case and positivity rates in the nation. “On June 15, California plans to implement the CDC’s guidelines around masking to allow fully vaccinated Californians to go without a mask in most indoor settings. This four-week period will give Californians time to prepare for this change while we continue our relentless focus on delivering vaccines, particularly in underserved communities. “We urge all Californians to get vaccinated to ensure that infection and hospitalization rates remain low across the state and that we can all return to the activities we love. “Until June 15, when California plans to fully reopen the economy, California will keep our existing guidance around masks in place. “As of May 3, 2021, face coverings are no longer required outdoors except at crowded events, and for unvaccinated people, when physical distancing cannot be maintained. “In indoor settings outside of one’s home, including public transportation and schools, face coverings continue to be required regardless of vaccination status.” For more information, visit covid19.ca.gov.
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About The Author
Kimberly Wear
Bio:
Kimberly Wear is the assistant editor of the North Coast Journal.
Kimberly Wear is the assistant editor of the North Coast Journal.
