California to follow CDC and recommend wearing a universal indoor mask in public



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SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – California public health officials said on Wednesday that the state will follow updated CDC guidelines on wearing a universal mask in indoor public places.

In the updated guidelines released Wednesday, the California Department of Public Health said its July 28 update replaces all previous guidelines on facial coverage and adds:

  • Recommendation for universal masking within the state;
  • Adult and senior care facilities are now places where all individuals must wear masks indoors

California had previously required masks in indoor public places, and when outdoors and physical distancing were not possible for unvaccinated residents. The state also already required masks in schools, on public transport, on air travel, in prisons, in homeless shelters and in health facilities.

California also announced this week that it would require regular vaccinations or testing for state employees and healthcare workers.

RELATED: San Diego County Recommends Following Updated CDC Mask Guidelines

The changes come days after the CDC announced recommendations that everyone should wear face coverings in indoor public places, such as businesses, restaurants and grocery stores, regardless of vaccination status due to the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. The increase is attributed to the rapidly spreading delta variant of the virus, which is now the main strain of the coronavirus in the country, according to health officials.

In San Diego County, officials said Tuesday they would follow the CDC and recommend everyone wear masks in public and indoors, but declined to make it a mandate similar to that of the Los Angeles County.

“The rate of COVID-19 cases in San Diego County is rated ‘high’ by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. New research reveals that the delta variant is much more transmissible and is expected to lead to an increasing number of cases in people who have been vaccinated while hitting mostly the unvaccinated. San Diego County will follow the latest CDC guidelines in recommending the universal wearing of masks by vaccinated and unvaccinated people in indoor public places. Masks are an additional measure; vaccinations are key to getting back to the things we love, ”a county statement read.



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