California counties await further guidance on mask, social distancing

Counties in California are waiting for guidance from the state after the federal government on Thursday said that fully vaccinated people can quit face coverings and social distancing in most situations whether outside or inside.

California’s Department of Public Health did not respond to questions about whether and when the state would adopt new guidance announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC still calls for wearing masks in crowded indoor settings, such as buses, hospitals and prisons, and says residents should follow local rules.

It’s unclear what Gov. Gavin Newsom plans to do and when. The state is on track to reopen its economy broadly next month, signaling an end to most pandemic restrictions, as infection rates stay low and more people get vaccinated. On Thursday, the state began allowing children ages 12 to 15 to receive the vaccine.

On Tuesday, Newsom told a television station in Los Angeles that residents will not be wearing face coverings except for at largescale indoor convention events. But on Wednesday, he said the state is likely to have “guidelines and mandates” for wearing masks indoors after the state fully reopens next month.

The CDC’s announcement raised more questions for some public health officials, including Dr. Barbara Ferrer, public health director for massive Los Angeles County.

“I think that the question that’s top of mind for many people is, ‘ What does this mean when people are going around their day-to-day business?’ “she asked. “The big issue that we’re facing is making sure we’re still able to protect our workers.”

At least 60% of residents 16 and older are partially vaccinated in California.

In Northern California, Marin County’s public health officer, Dr. Matt Willis, said people won’t be wearing masks forever and the federal guidance is a sign of progress. But the percentages of people vaccinated vary widely by county and across the country.

“I think this is early,” he told San Francisco’s KGOTV. “Frankly, the idea of people not covering their faces indoors when they’re gathered together, it’s concerning that there would be ongoing transmission.”

California now requires people to wear a mask when indoors with people who are not vaccinated. Fully vaccinated people can ditch masks except when attending large gatherings such as sporting events, festivals and concerts. The state has a number of other rules for businesses and other public places that vary by county based on the prevalence of the virus.