California universal mask mandate extended. What are the exceptions and when does it end?

UPDATE: California mask rules are changing — but not disappearing. Here’s when you’ll need one

California’s statewide mask mandate went into effect in December. For those in the Golden State, this means everyone, vaccinated and unvaccinated, must wear a face covering in indoor public spaces — for the most part.

The mandate came after COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations have increased across the state and with the detection of the omicron variant.

Initially, it was set to end on Jan. 15. However, California health officials extended the deadline on Wednesday, Jan. 5, due to the recent surge of the omicron variant, which has resulted in coronavirus cases reaching record highs following the holidays.

The mandate was extended through Feb. 15.

Who is exempt from the California mask mandate?

Some people are exempt from this latest mask rule, according to the California Department of Health.

This includes children under 2 years old and individuals with medical and mental health conditions or a disability that prevents wearing a mask. People who are hearing impaired or need to communicate with a person who is hearing impaired are also not subject to the mandate.

Other individuals can be exempt if wearing a mask creates risk at work, “as determined by local, state, or federal regulators or workplace safety guidelines.”

In December, the health department shared additional details about exemptions which include:

• When eating or drinking
• People working alone in a room or office
• People receiving medical or cosmetic service on the nose or face
• People who are actively performing at in indoor live or recorded settings. Performers are advised by the CDPH to get tested for COVID at least once weekly.
• Employees who wear respiratory protection
• Vaccinated people attending religious worship services
• Other people who are exempted from face coverings according to other CDPH rules

Local governments may have their own exemptions to the mask rule as well.

Does the mandate apply to all counties?

The statewide mandate goes into effect in counties that do not have existing guidelines on masks in indoor public spaces. This affects about 50% of Californians who are not currently under a county-level mask mandate.

Local health departments that had mask requirements before Dec. 13 will continue mandating existing health orders.

For example, San Francisco, San Mateo and Contra Costa counties will have exemptions due to previous regulations. Individuals who are vaccinated and live in these areas will be allowed to remove their face coverings when in certain indoor spaces, such as their workplace or the gym.

When does the statewide order end?

The universal mask mandate was implemented, along with other COVID-19 recommendations, on Dec. 15 for four weeks.

The now extended universal mask mandate will end on Feb. 15. According to a report from The Bee, Health and Human Services Secretary Mark Ghaly said his office will review COVID conditions in February to see if the deadline needs to be extended again.

Other COVID rules in California

The state recommends those who travel in or out of California get tested for COVID within three to five days.

And the state now requires those without proof of vaccination attending events with more than 1,000 people to show a negative COVID-19 test within one day. The previous guidelines required a test within 72 hours.

For individual county mandates, check with your local health department.

This story was originally published December 15, 2021 at 11:55 AM with the headline "California universal mask mandate extended. What are the exceptions and when does it end?."