California extends indoor mask mandate for another month as omicron variant spreads

With the omicron variant spreading rapidly, California health officials announced Wednesday they would extend the state’s indoor mask mandate to Feb. 15.

Health and Human Services Secretary Mark Ghaly, in a call with reporters, said wearing masks was a key part of making sure hospitals are not overwhelmed in this latest surge. As of Wednesday, the state had 8,032 hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Ghaly said his office will reevaluate conditions in February to determine if another extension is needed.

California reinstated a universal indoor mask mandate in December in anticipation of infections caused by holiday gatherings and travel. Gov. Gavin Newsom had lifted the state’s previous indoor mask mandate on June 15, the date he said signified California’s reopening from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some counties, including Sacramento, issued local mask mandates after the state’s order lapsed.

Ghaly emphasized the importance of a well-fitted mask. California’s health department recommends that people wear surgical masks or N-95 masks rather than cloth ones.

“Masks that maybe were really helpful in the beginning are not as helpful today,” he said.

This story was originally published January 5, 2022 at 2:47 PM with the headline "California extends indoor mask mandate for another month as omicron variant spreads."