[ad_1]
The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department has issued a recommendation regarding the wearing of masks indoors and in public places, regardless of vaccination status.
The statement was released on Tuesday as a “precaution against increased circulation of COVID-19,” in response to the latest reports which showed a recent spike in cases in the county, particularly with the highly transmissible Delta variant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that Delta variants are now responsible for 58% of new infections across the country.
“As a precaution, people are recommended to wear masks indoors in environments such as grocery or retail stores, theaters and family entertainment centers, even if they are fully vaccinated as a layer of protection. extra for unvaccinated residents, ”the press said. Release.
The county’s recommendation comes just over a month after Gov. Gavin Newsom lifted the state’s previous mandate on masks on June 15. One of the reasons given in the statement included the “easy verification that all unvaccinated people are masked,” as most private companies have adopted “honor system” policies that do not require face masks. interior for those who have received vaccines.
Companies are now urged to adopt “universal masking requirements” for customers entering interior areas, workplaces must comply with Cal / OSHA requirements, and fully immunized employees are encouraged to wear masks indoors if their employer has not confirmed their vaccination status.
“We have a method of preventing serious illnesses and hospitalizations due to the COVID-19 Delta variant that we know is effective, and that involves getting vaccinated,” said Santa Barbara Public Health Director Dr Van. Do-Reynoso. “This remains essential for protection against infection, especially with the circulating variants.”
The county public health department will reconsider this recommendation while continuing to monitor transmission rates, hospitalizations, deaths and increasing vaccination rates.
At Independent from Santa Barbara, our staff are working around the clock to cover all aspects of this crisis – sorting out truth and rumor. Our reporters and editors ask the tough questions of our public health officials and share how we can all help each other. The community needs us – now more than ever – and we need you to keep doing the important work we do. Support it Independent by contributing directly or with a subscription to Indy +.
[ad_2]
Source link