LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — On Feb. 7, the California Department of Public Health announced modifications to state-mandated COVID-19 precautions, which had been enhanced this winter to slow the spread of the Omicron variant.
Effective Wednesday, Feb. 16, the requirement for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks in all indoor public settings will be lifted.
“Since California’s peak during the Omicron surge, the state has experienced a 65% decrease in case rates,” the California Department of Public Health reported.
State Public Health officials continue to recommend indoor masking “when [COVID-19] risk may be high.” The current hospital census remained “over capacity” at the time of their announcement.
Dr. Gary Pace, who has been acting at interim Public Health officer, advised Lake County residents that masking will still be required for unvaccinated individuals in all indoor public settings.
In addition, all individuals in high risk settings will be required to mask, including on public transit and transportation hubs, indoors in K-12 schools and child care settings, emergency shelters and cooling and heating centers, health care settings, state and local correctional facilities and detention centers, homeless Shelters, and long-term care settings and adult and senior care facilities.
The Board of Supervisors will discuss masking in county facilities on Tuesday, Feb. 15.
COVID-19 risk in Lake County compared to other areas of the state
Pace said Lake County lagged broader statewide trends in entering the Omicron surge.
“While new cases are likewise trending downward here, our case rate remains higher than the statewide rate,” Pace said.
As of Wednesday, Feb. 9, testing positivity sat at 20.0%, more than double the 8.7% Statewide rate.
Pace said COVID-19 remains prevalent in Lake County’s communities, and decreased masking in public settings will bring some increased general risk of transmission.
Lessening of statewide mandates is a sign of positive trends around the state, he said.
“We ask that all Lake County residents remain sensitive to the fact COVID-19 still presents significant risk, particularly to the most medically vulnerable among us,” Pace said.
“Continuing to voluntarily take common sense measures to reduce risk will be important as we work together to navigate this next phase,” Pace added. “Thank you all for your tremendous sacrifices and efforts over the past two years. You have made, and continue to make, a difference.”