Effective today, LA County has made modifications to masking rules.
After hitting a key milestone, the Los Angeles County Health Officer has lifted indoor mask requirements in many places, but federal and state rules continue to require masks for everyone* 2 years of age and older in some locations (see table). Masks are required indoors at schools and childcare facilities through March 11.
Regardless of vaccination status, it is still recommended that people continue to wear masks that fit and filter well in all indoor public places. The spread of COVID-19 continues to be a significant risk for many in Los Angeles County.
EVERYONE* MUST wear a mask:
- On planes, trains, buses, ferries, taxis and ride-shares, and all other forms of public transport
- In transportation hubs like airports, bus terminals, train stations, marinas, seaports or other ports, subway stations, or any other area that provides transportation
- In healthcare settings (including long-term care facilities)
- In long-term care settings and adult/ senior care facilities
- In state and local correctional facilities and detention centers
- Shelters and cooling centers
- Indoors in K-12 schools and childcare [Required through March 11, then strongly recommended]
- In any other outdoor location where it is the policy of the business or venue.
Masks are STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for EVERYONE in:
- Indoor public settings and businesses such as retail, restaurants, theaters, family entertainment centers, cardrooms, meetings, state and local government offices that serve the public.
- Indoors at K-12 schools and daycare [Required through March 11, then strongly recommended]
Additional mask recommendations
- Masks are strongly recommended indoors or in crowded outdoor settings for people at high risk of severe illness, or who live with someone who is at high risk. Masks that provide the best protection against COVID-19 should be worn. Examples include a well-fitting respirator (e.g., N95, KN95) or a double mask (a well-fitting cloth mask over a medical mask).
- Masks are strongly recommended for people who are gathering indoors with people who are at high risk of severe illness.
Note: When masks are required, you are allowed to take off your mask while you are:
- Actively eating or drinking.
- Alone in a separate room or space.
- Showering or swimming.
- Receiving personal hygiene or personal care services (like a facial or shave) that cannot be done without removing your mask.
*There are some people who should not wear a mask, such as children younger than 2, people with certain medical conditions or disabilities, and people instructed by their medical provider not to wear a mask. Children ages 2 to 8 should wear a mask only when under adult supervision. See Who should not wear a mask and Special considerations for persons with communication difficulties or certain disabilities.
