The California Department of Health is extending the requirement that masks be worn in all indoor public settings irrespective of vaccine status. The mask requirement will be extended by one month, through February 15, 2022, at which point California will make further recommendations as needed in response to the pandemic.
Omicron Update
Overall, clinical and wastewater data indicate that Omicron cases are present in most regions of the state. The surveillance data and estimates we have are consistent with CDC reports that about 95% of the cases nationwide are Omicron. Data from several sources, including genetic sequencing from COVID-19 patients, wastewater surveillance, and reports from health care partners, indicate that the proportion of cases due to the Omicron variant is increasing rapidly. Additionally, genetic sequencing does not represent real-time data, as sequencing generally occurs several days or more after initial tests are positive for COVID-19.
The emergence of the Omicron variant emphasizes the importance of taking prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19, including getting a vaccine or booster. For information on Omicron and other variants, see the CDPH variant webpage and the Omicron variant fact sheet.
Vaccinations
- 65,386,357 total vaccines administered.
- 7% of the eligible population (5+) has been vaccinated with at least one dose.
- 143,991 people a day are receiving COVID-19 vaccination (average daily dose count over 7 days).
Cases
- California has 5,480,265 confirmed cases to date.
- Today’s average case count is 54,695 (average daily case count over 7 days).
Testing
- The testing positivity rate is 21.3% (average rate over 7 days).
Hospitalizations (*Note: As of January 5, 2022, hospitalized and ICU patients only reflect confirmed COVID-19 cases).
- There are 8,032* hospitalizations statewide.
- There are 1,390* ICU patients statewide.
- Unvaccinated people were 10.1 times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 (data from December 13, 2021 to December 19, 2021).
Deaths
- There have been 76,054 COVID-19 deaths since the start of the pandemic.
- COVID-19 claims the lives of 45 Californians each day (average daily death count over 7 days).
- Unvaccinated people were 16.6 times more likely to die from COVID-19 (data from December 6, 2021 to December 12, 2021).
Original Release (Dec. 13, 2021)
On Monday, State Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly announced California will require universal indoor masking beginning on December 15, 2021 – January 15, 2022. The move comes after he cited a 47% increase in COVID-19 case rates across the state since Thanksgiving.
The mandate will be imposed on everyone, regardless of vaccination status. Roughly 50% of California already has a mask mandate in place, including Contra Costa County.
Overview:
- Universal indoor mask mandate Dec 15-Jan 15.
- Unvaxxed megaevent attendees show proof of negative test < 48 hours before event
- Travelers should get tested 3-5 days before/after trip.
CDPH Requires Masking for All Public Indoor Settings to Slow the Spread of COVID-19 In Response to Increasing Case Rates and Hospitalizations
With case rates increasing 47% since Thanksgiving, the California Department of Public Health will require universal masking to increase protection to individuals, families, and communities during the holidays
SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) continues to monitor COVID-19 data in order to protect the health and well-being of all Californians. Since Thanksgiving, the statewide seven-day average case rate has increased by almost half (47%) and hospitalizations have increased by 14%. In response to the increase in cases and hospitalizations, and to slow the spread of both Delta and the highly transmissible Omicron variant, CDPH has issued updated guidance to curb the spread of COVID-19 and its variants.
Beginning December 15, CDPH will require masks to be worn in all indoor public settings irrespective of vaccine status through January 15, 2022, at which point California will make further recommendations as needed in response to the pandemic.
Additionally, CDPH updated requirements for attending mega events, like concerts and sporting events. Prior to attending an event, attendees will now require either proof of vaccination, a negative antigen COVID-19 test within one day of the event, or a negative PCR test within two days of the event.
CDPH also issued a new travel advisory effective immediately to recommend that all travelers arriving in California test for COVID-19 within three to five days after arrival, regardless of their vaccination status.
“Our collective actions can save lives this holiday season. We are already seeing a higher level of transmission this winter and it is important to act now to prevent overwhelming our busy hospitals so we can provide quality health care to all Californians. All Californians should get vaccinated and receive their booster. Getting your whole family up to date on vaccination is the most important action you can take to get through the pandemic and to protect yourself from serious impacts from the virus and its variants. Testing and masking remain important tools in slowing the spread,” said Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “Starting Wednesday, California will require masking in all public indoor places during the holiday season regardless of vaccination status. Attendees of large events will be required to show either proof of vaccination, a negative antigen COVID-19 test within one day of the event, or a negative PCR test within two days of the event. Additionally, California has issued a travel alert to recommend that all travelers get tested within three to five days of their arrival in California. Vaccines and these temporary measures will allow friends and families to safely spend the holidays together and will add critical layers of protection to keep people safe.”
