California, Western States Announces Changes to Masking Guidance

On Monday, California Governor Gavin Newsom, along with Oregon Governor Kate Brown and Washington Governor Jay Inslee, announced a series of changes to COVID-19 masking guidance. The state leaders, pointing to declining case rates and hospitalizations throughout the West, updated indoor mask policies and mask guidance for K-12 schools.

Specifically, in California, as of March 1, masks are no longer required for unvaccinated individuals. In its place, the state now strongly recommends masking in public indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status. After March 11, masks in schools and childcare settings will no longer be required but will be strongly recommended.

Masks remain required in high transmission and vulnerable settings, including public transit, emergency shelters, health care facilities, correctional facilities, homeless shelters, and long-term care facilities. As always, local jurisdictions may impose additional health-protective measures.

Additional information is available here.