Despite Strides, Mask Mandate Returns as COVID Cases Spike

As California marks the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 vaccine administered in the state, Gov. Gavin Newsom highlighted California’s measures to slow the spread of the virus and the imperative to continue the state’s progress with lifesaving boosters and vaccinations heading into the winter months. California has put more shots in arms than any other state – administering more than 62.7 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine – with 86 percent of all eligible Californians receiving at least one dose and more than 6 million adults receiving a booster, according to health department reports.

But amid an uptick in transmission since Thanksgiving, case rates and hospitalizations are still increasing. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recently issued updated guidance to curb the spread of COVID-19 and its variants. The state now requires masks to be worn in all indoor public settings regardless of vaccine status through January 15, 2022, at which point California will make further recommendations as needed in response to the pandemic. CDPH has also updated requirements for attending mega events and issued a new travel advisory. San Francisco indoor venues are exempt from this mandate.

Newsom urges all eligible Californians to get vaccinated and receive boosters – the most impactful steps to slow the spread of the virus. Boosters have been approved for those 16 and older who received the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago, those 18 and older who received the Moderna vaccine at least six months ago, and those 18 and older who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago.