L.A. Reinstates COVID-19 Mask Mandate

Los Angeles County plans to reinstate indoor mask mandates for all, regardless of vaccination status, this weekend due to the rapid spread of the Delta variant, which has caused COVID-19 cases to double nationwide in the past three weeks.

This announcement comes just one month after California’s post-pandemic re-opening.

Two weeks ago, the County recommended that people wear masks indoors. Sacramento County followed suit, joining L.A. County.

Marin County Public Health Officer Matt Willis commented on the recent shift in infection-control strategies: “Across the state, we are seeing increases in cases. All of us right now — public health officers — are sharing the same challenge: What is the next step for us to reduce transmission?”

According to the CDC, L.A. County now qualifies for the “substantial” category of COVID spread, with a case rate of 7.1 per 100,000 residents.

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda Solis tweeted: “It is clear that the Delta variant is here and spreading rapidly, overwhelmingly in our unvaccinated communities, and we need to take action now before we see uncontrollable spread.”

Solis emphasized that the move is “only a temporary action until we can lower our cases and continue getting more people the doses they need.”

Other counties are choosing not to reinstate mask requirements, including San Francisco County. “Those who are vaccinated can choose to wear masks if they feel more comfortable doing so. We continue to follow emerging data and science and will adjust this approach to expand masking recommendations, if necessary,” said San Francisco officials.

Article by Elizabeth Letsou