The State of California will partially lift mask mandates next week.

The State has indicated that the indoor mask mandate will be lifted for vaccinated residents in indoor public places. The State will continue to require those who are not vaccinated to be masked indoors. Masks will be required for all residents in select settings such as hospitals and nursing homes and while using public transport.  Dr. Tomas J. Aragon, the State Public Health Officer, said, " Omicron has loosened it's hold on California, vaccines for children under 5 are around the corner and access to COVID-19 treatments is improving." Officials also announced that they are working on updating mask requirements in schools. The statewide mask mandates will remain in effect until February 15, 2022 as originally set. Individual counties may set local mask mandates if deemed necessary.