Community, Diversity, Sustainability and other Overused Words

Los Angeles County Allows Masks To Come Off on Friday, but Only for the Vaccinated

Barbara Ferrer, Public Health Director, had earlier estimated the middle of March for the unmasking

February 23, 2022 - Los Angeles County Health Department officials today announced they would allow establishments that verify vaccination status or require negative PCR tests of the unvaccinated to have customers and workers remove their masks indoors. Masks have been required at all indoor locations since March of 2020, except for a brief period last spring after the vaccines became available to the general public. Then vaccines proved to be less effective at preventing infection than originally predicted, and masks were once again required for all.

The County's new Health Order allowing masks to be removed is somewhat complex.

Option 1: Starting this Friday, establishments, businesses, or venues that want to allow fully vaccinated customers and workers to unmask while indoors must:

1. Verify that 100% of customers (5 and older) and workers prior to, or upon, entry to indoor spaces:

a.Provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, or

Provide proof of a recent negative COVID-19 viral test result. Tests for customers must be taken within two days of entry if a PCR test, or one day if an antigen test. Employees will be allowed to submit a negative test result every three days.

Those who are not fully vaccinated or do not show proof of vaccination, are required to provide a negative test, and continue wearing a well-fitting mask while indoors (as required by the state), except when actively eating or drinking.

Option 2: Starting this Friday, establishments, businesses, or venues that want to allow their fully vaccinated customers to unmask indoors while all onsite workers remain masked, must:

1. Verify that 100% of customers (5 and older) prior to, or upon, entry to indoor spaces

a. Provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, or

b. Provide proof of a recent negative COVID-19 viral test result. Tests for customers must have been taken within two days of entry if a PCR test or one day if an antigen test.

c. .Adhere to the following regarding customers and masking:

i. Fully vaccinated customers may be unmasked in the indoor setting.

ii. Customers that are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear a well-fitting mask while indoors (as required by the state), except when actively eating or drinking.

Any individual showing proof of full vaccination prior to entering can still choose to wear a mask indoors.

 

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