California State and Counties Relax Indoor Mask Requirements
February 10, 2022
This week, the state of California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued new Health Guidance for face coverings effective February 16.
Citing declining Omicron hospitalizations, the CDPH relaxed the requirement for masking in most settings.
Exceptions include requiring masks for all unvaccinated individuals when indoors. Other exceptions to the relaxed masking mandate regardless of vaccination status include public transit, schools, childcare settings, emergency shelters, healthcare settings, correctional facilities, homeless shelters, and long-term and senior care facilities.
Counties easing masking restrictions include Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, Orange, Riverside, San Bernadino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Solano.
Los Angeles and Santa Clara Counties declared that they would make the change at a later date. Some cities, such as Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, and West Hollywood, are expected to continue requiring proof of vaccination (or recent negative coronavirus test) to enter some businesses.
What does this mean for the construction industry?
- For any work being performed outside of the geographic areas that have issued indoor masking orders, be sure to continue checking the appropriate county's public health office website for updates.
- Employers should refer to the Cal/OSHA ETS for the state requirements for employee masking in work environments.
UCON will continue to update members on any relevant regulatory changes. Please utilize our COVID-19 Resources Page for regular updates to local and statewide policy developments.