Mask Mandate Returns to Los Angeles as COVID-19 Cases Rise

On July 22, 2021, the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health issued a new order due to the rapid increase of new COVID-19 cases. This new order modifies the prior health order. The order mainly aligns with the State Public Health Officer Order of June 11, 2021 and continues to place certain safety requirements on individuals consistent with federal and state rules. In addition, the order now requires that all persons wear face masks, regardless of their vaccination status, while in indoor public settings and businesses, with limited exceptions, as a precautionary measure with this level of community transmission.

The order continues some requirements on businesses and government entities, such as a general requirement to report positive cases in the workplace and in schools, a requirement for signage, and a proof of vaccination or testing negative for COVID-19 requirement to admit people to attend indoor mega-events largely consistent with state rules. The order will be revised in the future, if needed, to reflect the State Executive Orders, California Division of Occupational Safety and Health’s (better known as Cal/OSHA) worksite requirements, and State Public Health Office Orders and guidance.

Note that in the workplace, workers must follow the most protective mask requirements as stated by Cal/OSHA and the County Health Officer Order. Certain employees may be exempt from wearing a mask in specific situations provided alternative safety measures are in place. There are some people who should not wear a mask including those under the age of two or those with a medical condition or disability that prevents mask wearing.

EVERYONE, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask:

• In all indoor public settings, venues, gatherings, and public and private businesses in Los Angeles County
• 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.
• Healthcare settings (including long-term care facilities)
• State and local correctional facilities and detention centers
• Shelters and cooling centers
• Indoors at any youth-serving facility (such as K-12 schools, childcare, day camps, etc.)
• In any outdoor location where it is the policy of the business or venue Recommendations
• It is strongly recommended that you wear a mask at private indoor social gatherings with people outside your household, unless everyone at the gathering is fully vaccinated.
• If you are not fully vaccinated, it is strongly recommended that you wear a mask in crowded outdoor settings.
• If you are in a setting where you are in sustained close contact with other people who may not be fully vaccinated, consider wearing a higher level of protection, such as wearing two masks (double masking) or a respirator (e.g., N95 or KN95). This is especially important if you are not fully vaccinated and are in an indoor or crowded outdoor setting.

For the full Responding Together at Work and in the Community Order, please visit: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/coronavirus/docs/HOO/HOO_SaferReturnWorkCommunity.pdf

Please note that the information provided on this website is for general information purposes only and is not to be construed nor relied upon as legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. For a free consultation with Attorney Thomas M. Lee, please contact us.