Gov. Gavin Newsom says the state is going to follow the CDC’s lead and adopt new, looser requirements around face masks.
Under the CDC’s new guidelines, people who are fully vaccinated do not need to wear masks when they are outdoors unless they are in a crowded environment such as a concert, sporting event or conference.
People who are not vaccinated can also drop their masks in some situations. Unvaccinated people do not need to wear a mask when they are outdoors and only briefly passing by other people, such as going for a walk, bike ride or run.
However, they should still wear a mask anytime they might come into close contact with someone else who is not vaccinated, like dining outdoors or going to an outdoor gathering.
The CDC did not make any changes to mask guidelines indoors; everyone is still advised to wear a mask whenever they are indoors in a public space like a grocery store, office or restaurant.
Gov. Newsom says the state’s guidance will align with the CDC’s “common-sense updates.”
“California has made incredible progress in controlling the spread of COVID-19, resulting in the lowest positivity rate in the country. And we have administered more than 28 million vaccine doses, including almost 6 million to those who live in our hardest-hit communities,” Newsom said in a statement.
“While more than half of Californians 16 and older are partially or fully vaccinated, many others are still not vaccinated, and the threat of variants remains. We need to remain vigilant.”
Newsom encouraged all Californians who are eligible for the vaccine to get their shots if they have not already.
County officials may choose to adopt stricter requirements if they see fit.
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