California to End Indoor Mask Mandate for Unvaccinated, Effective March 1st

Note that following information about the updated CDPH requirement regarding face coverings does not apply to healthcare settings, including dental offices.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) updated its COVID-19 masking guidelines, effective March 1, 2022, which now allow unvaccinated individuals to go without facemasks in most indoor settings. Along with this, Governor Newsom issued a new Executive Order that brings Cal/OSHA’s Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) in line with the updated CDPH guidelines. Therefore, in low-risk work settings, unvaccinated personnel are not required to wear facemasks indoors. Keep in mind that, although now not required, both CDPH and Cal/OSHA continue to recommend that all persons, regardless of vaccination status continue to wear them in indoor settings.

Please refer to our online blog for more information on Cal/OSHA’s ETS requirements. Additional information on infection control during the COVID-19 pandemic in healthcare settings, including dental offices, is available from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).