Amid Surge of COVID Cases, California Urges Residents to Wear Face Masks Indoors

COVID-19 cases are growing again in California with the new Delta Variant causing surges in the hospitalizations.

Disneyland Resort

Now, leaders in California are taking new measures in order to control the growth of cases.

The Los Angeles Times reported that the latest surge in COVID-19 cases is one of the most significant, with about 7,400 new cases in California each day. According to the Times, that’s about eight times the rate from four weeks ago. To combat this surge, leaders are asking all residents — regardless of vaccination status — to wear masks indoors in all public places.

©Los Angeles Times

As another safety measure, California will require all state employees and workers in healthcare facilities and crowded areas such as jails, homeless shelters, and senior living home to show proof they’ve been vaccinated starting next month.

Former face mask sign

Los Angeles County already has a mandate for wearing masks indoors at public locations, but most other counties in California just have recommendations. This could change in the coming weeks if the surge continues to grow. The vast majority (97%) of people hospitalized with COVID-19 in the United States were not vaccinated.

Keep following DFB for more updates on mask mandates in California and Florida.