On Monday, California announced it would reinstate its mask mandate.
Background: A number of Democrat-led states and cities have begun reimposing mask mandates on citizens as colder weather causes spikes in reported cases of Covid-19.
Many Democrats have also begun reimposing early pandemic-era rules out of concern for the newly discovered omicron variant. However, so far research on the variant suggests that though it is contagious symptoms associated with omicron are far less severe than delta.
What Happened: The California health department announced the state is reinstating the indoor mask mandate on Wednesday through Jan. 15 regardless of vaccination status.
“As we look at the evidence that masks do make a difference, even a 10% increase in indoor masking can reduce case transmission significantly,” said State Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly.
Ghaly told reporters the renewed mandate comes after cases in the state ballooned by 47% in the weeks following Thanksgiving. (per The Washington Post)
Details: Those attending gatherings in California with 1,000 or more who are unvaccinated will also have to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test within 24 hours of the events in addition to wearing a mask.
