CDPH to Maintain Masking Guidance Until June 15

Earlier this week, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced it would maintain its existing COVID-19 guidance related to the use of face coverings until June 15 when the state aims to retire the Blueprint for a Safer Economy. The move comes as the CDC last week announced it had updated its masking guidance for fully vaccinated persons, allowing individuals to resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing when not otherwise required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including business and workplace guidance.

After June 15, according to CDPH, California plans to implement the CDC’s guidelines around masking to allow fully vaccinated persons to go without a mask in most indoor settings. The four-week period is anticipated to provide residents more time to prepare for this change while vaccines continue to be administered statewide.

A statement on the decision from California Health and Human Services (CHHS) Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly is available here.