Gavin Newsom was pressed over the summer on implementing a statewide indoor mask mandate in response delta, he demurred and said that vaccination is the more important intervention. More than than 10% of staffed hospital beds also would have to occupied by COVID patients. 5:40 pm Diana Lambert The California Supreme Court wasted little time denying a petition from the Orange County Board of Education today that asked the court to overturn the states mask mandate. On June 15, the day of the full reopening, the County saw 210 new cases and today the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) confirms the highest number of new COVID-19 cases since mid-March with 1,537 new cases. RELATED: Mask mandates to be lifted in almost all of Bay Area. Here's what experts say about endemic phase. The CDC doesnt recommend universal school masking for Although not at 100%, it significantly reduces the risk of infection and, for the small number of people that get infected, it reduces the risk of hospitalization and death once you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.. According to federal estimates, BA.5 accounted for 65% of the nations coronavirus cases over the weeklong period ending Saturday, an astonishing climb from a month ago, when it made up 17% of cases. The L.A. County indoor masking requirements for everyone will be effective Saturday, July 17 at 11:59 p.m. Download for iOS or Android. Nevertheless, the vaccines helped reduce the spread of COVID-19, which relieved pressure on the health care system, which at times was nearly overwhelmed during the pandemic. Were saying there is need to worry, Ferrer said. California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly announced Wednesday that the previous month-long indoor mask mandate was extended. If L.A. County falls back to the medium level during either of the next two weeks, the clock would reset, pushing the earliest date for any new mask order into August. Being in the high community level means L.A. County has observed at least 10 new weekly coronavirus-positive hospitalizations for every 100,000 residents. Email: eric.ting@sfgate.com. With the high rates of transmission fueling the increased risks, sensible safety precautions that can slow down the spread of the virus are warranted, and that includes universal indoor masking, she said Thursday. Vaccines. "If we continue to get people vaccinated that'll be unnecessary and this is the call that anyone who hasn't been vaccinated get vaccinated," he said. According to the state, California educates 12% of the country's students in kindergarten through the 12th grade, yet with its stricter policies, has only accounted for 1% of school closures due to COVID-19. As a result, the order received significantly less attention in the region, affecting just 1.6 million residents among 7.7 million who live in the Bay Area. "After looking at all the data, the trends That study compared Massachusetts school districts after the state allowed them to lift mask requirements with two districts in the Boston area that chose not to. You can email her at agraff@sfgate.com. She has been with SFGATE for more than 10 years. Many people feel like the risk is a lot lower right now, and theres no need to worry. By contrast, an order from L.A. County would instantly affect 10 million residents, give or take the roughly 600,000 residents of Long Beach and Pasadena. Get Essential San Diego, weekday mornings. On June 15, the day of the full reopening, the County saw 210 new cases and today the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) confirms the highest number of new COVID-19 cases since mid-March with 1,537 new cases. The mandate, which went into effect in mid-July 2020, imposed a more than $600 fine to those who didn't follow mask rules. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The Court will be According to the CDC's map, four Bay Area counties San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano are classified as areas of "high" transmission, and the other five Santa Clara, San Mateo, Marin, Sonoma and Napa are classified as areas of "substantial" transmission. San Diego Countys mask mandate didnt keep COVID-19 SACRAMENTO COUNTY, Calif. On 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, California health officials ended the state indoor mask mandate for vaccinated people. Californias statewide mask mandate is back after a six-month hiatus.. The state requires employers to provide unvaccinated employees with NIOSH-certified respirator masks for voluntary use when working indoors, or in a vehicle with others. Sacramento County health officials issued an indoor mask mandate in late July after the state lifted its previous universal mandate on June 15. San Diego Countys mask mandate didnt keep COVID-19 cases from spiking, but the question is whether masks kept the numbers from becoming even larger. California to lift mask mandate in schools on March 12. YOU* MUST Children under two years old are exempt at all times, due to the risk of suffocation. For most of the pandemic, people in Hong Kong have been required to wear a mask in indoor and outdoor public areas. Yes. In all three of these counties, less than 60% of residents are fully vaccinated; in Sacramento, only 51% have completed a vaccine series. Feb. 27, 2023. San Francisco Mayor London Breed said Thursday the city is "looking at mask mandates for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people," but did not indicate when a decision would be made. The number of weekly reported COVID-19 deaths has also doubled over the last month, from 50 to 100. (Last weeks combined rate for L.A. and Orange counties, which was published by the CDC, was 9.7.). Ferrer said on Tuesday that the county's rate is declining, and at the current pace, it should reach the "moderate" level by March 16, meaning the indoor mask requirement could be lifted by March 30. Some California counties including eight in the Bay Area and some in Los Angeles and Sacramento implemented new indoor mask mandates in response. Ferrers announcement quickly generated a reaction on social media. And I think thats the prudent thing to do.. The new rule applies to schools and child care facilities and will begin on Saturday, March 12. Nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health comprises nearly 4,500 employees and has an annual budget of $1.2 billion. As of Thursday, the hospital admission rate already exceeded the CDCs threshold, with 11.9 new admissions per 100,000 residents. Solano and Contra Costa had similar peak case-per-capita numbers (45 and 39, respectively), but Contra Costa saw about half of the hospitalizations per capita than Solano did, thanks to the fact that COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at protecting against severe disease and hospitalization. Alameda County in the San Francisco Bay Area, where Oakland is located, issued a mask mandate Friday after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention moved it and a dozen other California counties into the highest level for the virus as measured by case counts as well as hospital admissions and capacity. Rene C. Byer rbyer@sacbee.com. Gavin Newsom on Monday. He previously was a reporter and assistant city editor for the Daily Pilot, a Times Community News publication in Orange County, and before that wrote for the Santa Clarita Valley Signal. Eric Ting is SFGATE's politics editor. California is suffering through another intense coronavirus wave, fueled by the stunning proliferation of the BA.5 subvariant. A year ago on July 17, 2021 the county reissued a universal mask mandate in response to the Delta variant, which lasted through March 4. Treatments like Paxlovid. Tom Jefferson, the Oxford epidemiologist who is lead author of the study, broadly dismissed that other research in an interview with medical journalist Maryanne Demasi. As of July 11, more than 10,712,037 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to people across Los Angeles County. Column: Is the renewed Dream Act more than a tease this time? A memorial service for the living? 19 cases previously reported were not in Public Health's jurisdiction * Means that case numbers include cases associated with correctional facility outbreaks located in the city/community. Next time, effective vaccines may diminish the requirements for masks, distancing, closures and other precautions. WebAlameda County health officials announced Thursday that face masks will once again be required in most indoor public settings starting at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, regardless of vaccination status.. Alameda County lifted its mask mandate last February but in a press release Thursday, health officials said COVID hospitalization rates have more than At the end of the day Thursday, the department reported 4,493 new COVID cases and 14 additional deaths, with current hospitalizations hovering at 1,164. Were caring for more kids than we have beds for, Dr. James Schneider, head of the pediatric intensive care unit at Long Island Jewish Hospital, said at the time. When Gov. People wear face masks walking down Chestnut Street in San Francisco, Calif. on Jan. 4, 2022. Ferrer acknowledged that, for many, reinstituting an indoor mask order will feel like a step backward and that for others it will feel unnecessary because of the availability of powerful vaccines and therapeutics., The reality is that because were living with a mutating SARS-CoV-2 virus, there remains uncertainty around the trajectory of this pandemic, she said. Always check with trusted sources for the latest accurate information about novel coronavirus: The Department of Public Health is committed to promoting health equity and ensuring optimal health and well-being for all 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Los Angeles Countys weekly rate of new cases also rose to 185 per 100,000 residents, which boosted the county from low virus activity to medium, as per CDC guidelines. California will end its indoor masking requirement for vaccinated people next week but masks still are the rule for schoolchildren, state health officials announced To find a vaccination site near you, to make an appointment at vaccination sites, and much more, visit www.VaccinateLACounty.com (English) and www.VacunateLosAngeles.com (Spanish) If you dont have internet access, cant use a computer, or youre over 65, you can call 1-833-540-0473 for help finding an appointment, connecting to free transportation to and from a vaccination site, or scheduling a home-visit if you are homebound. The best way to manage the uncertainty, and to reduce morbidity and mortality, is to remain open to using both the sophisticated tools we now have our tests, our vaccines, our therapeutics and the non-pharmaceutical strategies, masking ventilation and distancing, to layer on protections to respond to the conditions at hand., Ferrer said the next two weeks will be spent reaching out to businesses so that theyre clear about their need to both supply those masks for all of their employees, make sure that their employees are masked appropriately indoors, and to do their best to message to their customers.. Here's some guidance from the state of California on current mask recommendations and requirements. Folks have pretty much moved on from the coronavirus outbreak, though those directly affected continue to deal with the health, economic and emotional impact. Of the three new deaths reported today, one person that passed away was over the age of 80, and two people who passed were between the ages of 50 and 64. Avalanche in Tahoe-area forces evacuations of apartment building, Palisades Tahoe reaches 500 inches of snow this season, 2 teen girls arrested in SF scooter attack, police say. Los Angeles County health officials are expected to reach a decision Thursday on whether to reinstate an indoor mask mandate. The CDC has said cloth masks are not that effective against omicron, but Dr. Cody said residents in her county still need this protection. Critics say some measures, such as school and business closures, did more harm than good. A renewed mandate would apply indoors for those 2 and older at a familiar host of establishments and venues including shared office space, manufacturing and retail settings, event spaces, restaurants and bars, gyms and yoga studios, educational settings and childrens programs. Were asking you to take a sensible step when theres this much transmission, with a highly transmissible variant, to go ahead and put back on a well-fitting, high-filtration mask when youre indoors around others. Officials say BA.5, thought to be the dominant version of the coronavirus circulating nationwide, is not only more contagious than previous versions but also has increased the risk of reinfection perhaps just weeks after an earlier case. This story has been shared 124,559 times. Webthe Superior Court of Alameda County lifts its mask mandate, no longer requiring masks in Court-controlled portions of courthouses. Alameda County issued a new mask mandate for most indoor public settings effective Friday, becoming the first California county to do so. Is it COVID, a cold or the flu? Tracking the proliferation of the Delta variant is a priority because the Delta variant is more easily spread between people more than other variants of concern. Violators could be fined 5,000 Hong Kong Masking is currently recommended but not required in every Bay Area county except Solano. Another Twitter user went so far as to say the mandate should already be in place. Californians, regardless of the county WebWhen to Wear A Mask 1/19/23 Los Angeles County WHEN YOU NEED TO WEAR A MASK Indoor mask wearing rules and recommendations in Los Angeles County change based on state and county requirements and the LA County CDC COVID-19 community level and transmission rate. Rich L.A. homeowners are snapping them up, High school basketball: Southern California and Northern California Regional results and updated pairings, Looking for your new favorite restaurant? This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. WebOfficial website of The City Of Ojai Ojai City Hall. And while emerging data affirms that fully vaccinated people are well protected from severe infections with Delta variants, people with only one vaccine are not as well-protected, and there is evidence that a very small number of fully vaccinated individuals can become infected and may be able to infect others. COVID-19 deaths have been in the headlines again, as Californias death toll surpassed 100,000 last week. According to the governor's office, unvaccinated individuals will still be required to wear masks in indoor public settings. While a vaccinated person can still catch and transmit COVID, vaccines offer protection from the most severe symptoms. Santa Clara County Health Director Sara Cody disagrees. The San Francisco Bay Area is the most highly vaccinated region in the state: More than 60% of residents are fully vaccinated in all nine counties except Solano County, where 49% are fully vaccinated, according to state data. COVID-19 deaths have been in the headlines again, as Californias death toll surpassed 100,000 last week. Under those mandates, all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, were required to mask up indoors unless actively eating or drinking. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Can I still get Beyonc tickets? But again, the variables make that difficult to assess. Continued study of the pandemic and the actions taken to address it hopefully will reveal valuable lessons for the future. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Woody Harrelsons vax jab shows the Left still cant take a joke over COVID, Energy Dept COVID view counts, DEI is poisonous and other commentary, Lessons of the mask mandates, Haley dodges on Trump and other commentary, Its insane that colleges still mandate vaccines. Your Privacy Choices (Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads). Eric Ting is SFGATE's politics editor. We continue to urge all eligible residents to get vaccinated in order to protect themselves and their family and friends. The state of California's indoor mask mandate, which was issued on Dec. The quick development of coronavirus vaccines changed the game and could do so again if the process can be replicated when another deadly outbreak hits or, ideally, before it. Get your top stories delivered daily! Health & Human Services Agency Sec. Learn more: Read California's updated face-covering guidance. On Tuesday, San Diego County and the state of California officially rescinded their COVID-19 emergency declarations, long after many of the safety restrictions had been dropped. Though the vaccination rates are current, they reflect countywide trends in vaccination that emerged before the delta surge. Department officials previously stated that about 40% of hospital admissions were brought in for COVID-related symptoms, while the rest tested positive after arriving for separate issues. Los Angeles and Yolo were the counties that had indoor mask mandates in place ahead of the state's new guidance Wednesday on the more contagious delta variant. RELATED: Valley parents await state announcement on masks in schools. Certainly, the effectiveness of masks needs to be further assessed to determine how best to keep other possible deadly airborne viruses from spreading in the future. The medium risk level still only makes masking strongly recommended.. On Tuesday afternoon, the county lifted its mandate that requires people to wear masks at outdoor mega-events and outdoors at K-12 schools and child care centers. Masking indoors must again become a normal practice by all, regardless of vaccination status, so that we can stop the trends and level of transmission we are currently seeing. All of Bay Area, which was issued on Dec than than 10 years recommended not... Reveal valuable lessons for the future Bay Area we continue to urge all eligible residents to get vaccinated in to. 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