LOS ANGELES (KNX) — In anticipation of Los Angeles County falling into the CDC’s “low” risk category for COVID-19 transmission, health officials issued Wednesday a new set of guidelines that will go into effect Friday. Once in effect, masks will be recommended but not required for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people in many indoor settings.
Though face masks will no longer be required in many indoor settings, the County will still require employers to offer free, medical grade face masks and respirators to employees who work inside and in close contact with others.
Indoor face mask requirements will end at L.A. County schools on March 12, but masks will continue to be “strongly recommended” for students, teachers and staff, the Department of Public Health said.
“Under this modified order, indoor masking will be strongly recommended, but not required, for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, except in high-risk settings where federal and state regulations continue to require masking,” health officials said in a statement.
As a result, face coverings will continue to be required on public transit, in emergency shelters, in health care settings and correctional and detention facilities and in homeless shelters.
“Masking is also still required for those who exit isolation or quarantine early through day 10 of their isolation or quarantine period,” the department said. “As a reminder, regardless of the community risk level, people can wear a mask based on their personal preference, comfort level, and informed by their personal level of risk.”
Despite the encouraging news, Barbara Ferrer — the director of public health, said many people will still be considered at risk amid the ongoing pandemic. Those groups include the unvaccinated, immunocompromised and those living in low-resourced communities.
“Along with the significant protection provided by vaccines and boosters, masks add an important barrier to transmission that protects those most vulnerable from the worst outcomes,” Ferrer said in a statement.
“Therefore, Public Health, in alignment with the state, strongly recommends that individuals keep their masks on in public indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status, until there is less risk for those at elevated risk.”
Wednesday the Department of Public Health announced 80 additional L.A. County deaths, and 1,626 news COVID-19 cases. Of the newly reported deaths, officials said one person was a minor between the ages of 12 and 17.
There are currently 907 COVID positive patients hospitalized in the County and 22% of tested individuals are found to be positive for the virus.
These guidelines will not change after Friday:
Vaccine verification in health care and congregate care settings will continue to be required across all community risk levels.
Vaccine verification will continue to be required for entry to indoor mega events, with a negative test result as a substitute for those not fully vaccinated. However, vaccine verification at outdoor mega events and indoor portions of bars, nightclubs and lounges will no longer be required but will be recommended.
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