California has extended the indoor mask mandate through Feb. 15.
State health officials remain concerned about pressures on the hospital system as the contagious omicron variant continues to spread.
So, are we likely to be masking up for the foreseeable future?
For unvaccinated adults, good quality masks are crucial, according to UCSF infectious disease specialist Dr. Monica Gandhi. For others, she thinks certain categories of people will want to keep covering up.
"Someone saying 'I don't want any exposure. I don't even want mild symptoms,'" Gandhi told KCBS Radio's "As Prescribed" on Thursday. "Then they should wear a good fit and filtered mask inside when there's mixed company."
We're all now required to wear masks indoors until mid-February.
But Dr. Gandhi believes those who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 might not need them in the long term if they're willing to accept some risk of a mild breakthrough case.
It's a different story for those at higher risk.
"Anyone who's at risk for severe breakthrough," she added. "(For example), my father right now is immunocompromised because he's getting treatment and his 87. I will ask him and have asked him to wear a very fit and filtered mask inside (such as) KN95s, KF94s, FFP2s, N95s. So, something strong."
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