Dear Kevin,

California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly announced Monday that all Californians, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear masks when indoors at public places starting tomorrow Dec. 15, 2021 and ending Jan. 15, 2022. Health officials cited an increase in COVID-19 case rates following Thanksgiving holiday events.

Dr. Ghaly said the mandate will affect about 50% of Californians, (including all of Monterey County) and other Californians not currently under any mask mandates. 

In addition to masking, the state will now require those without proof of vaccination attending events with more than 1,000 people to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test within one day. The previous guidelines required a test within 72 hours.

MCAR's COVID-19 Information and Resources page remains available for general reference. As of today, CAR has not updated its COVID reference page, however expect that to happen in the near future if additional guidance becomes necessary.

Kevin