Businesses may offer options for wearing masks to vaccinated individuals
The county Health Officer Order now says businesses may offer optional masking for those who are vaccinated against COVID-19, as of 12:01 a.m., today, Friday, Feb. 25.
(Some details about the new rules are below.)
Supervisor Janice Hahn welcomed the news, but also said there was a simpler way.
“I still think that the better and less confusing approach would be to fully align with the State of California, but this is a welcome step in the right direction as our cases decline and we learn to live with this virus,” Hahn said.
“The new LA County mask rule differs from the State of California’s guidelines which recently made indoor masking optional for all vaccinated individuals in most indoor settings,” according to the statement from her office.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced the news on Feb. 23.
“Option 1: Starting this Friday, establishments, businesses, or venues that want to allow fully vaccinated customers and workers to unmask while indoors must:
“a) Verify that 100% of customers (5 and older) and workers prior to, or upon, entry to indoor spaces:
“i) 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.
“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:
“a) Verify that 100% of customers (5 and older) prior to, or upon, entry to indoor spaces
“i) Provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, or
“ii) 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.
“b) 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.”
