Mask Mandates to End in California Schools

Mask Mandates to End in California Schools

In a joint statement released Monday, the governors of California, Oregon, and Washington announced updates to masking in their states.

In California, Governor Newsom says starting March 1, masks will no longer be required for unvaccinated individuals, but they will still be highly recommended in most indoor settings. As for schools, Newsom says after March 11, masks will not be required in schools and child care facilities, but they will still be highly recommended.

Newsom’s full statement can be seen below:

Statement from California Governor Gavin Newsom: “California continues to adjust our policies based on the latest data and science, applying what we’ve learned over the past two years to guide our response to the pandemic. Masks are an effective tool to minimize spread of the virus and future variants, especially when transmission rates are high. We cannot predict the future of the virus, but we are better prepared for it and will continue to take measures rooted in science to keep California moving forward.”

In California, starting March 1, masks will no longer be required for unvaccinated individuals, but will be strongly recommended for all individuals in most indoor settings. After March 11, in schools and child care facilities, masks will not be required but will be strongly recommended. Masks will still be required for everyone in high transmission settings like public transit, emergency shelters, health care settings, correctional facilities, homeless shelters and long-term care facilities. As always, local jurisdictions may have additional requirements beyond the state guidance.