Beginning Wednesday, those visiting a hospital, an intermediate care facility or skilled nursing home in California must show proof they're fully vaccinated or tested negative for COVID-19 recently.
This comes just a week after the California Department of Health implemented the mandate. It was implemented the same day as the mandate for health care workers to be fully vaccinated or receive their second dose of the vaccine by Sept. 30.
Regarding the negative COVID-19 test, health officials said visitors must have tested negative in 72 hours prior to the visit.
Those visiting a patient in critical condition are exempted from the mandate, as well as those who do an outdoor visit that does not require entering the building.