On Tuesday, February 15, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), will lift the indoor mask mandate, taking effect on Wednesday, February 16. Napa County Public Health Officer has stated Napa County will be following the state’s guidelines. This means masks are ONLY required for the following settings listed below. A business can choose to be stricter if they wish.
According to CDPH: “Masks are required for all individuals in the following indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status. Surgical masks or higher-level respirators (e.g., N95s, KN95s, KF94s) with good fit are highly recommended.
- On public transit[5] (examples: airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis, and ride-shares) and in transportation hubs (examples: airport, bus terminal, marina, train station, seaport or other port, subway station, or any other area that provides transportation)
- Indoors in K-12 schools[6], childcare[7]
- Emergency[8] shelters and cooling and heating centers[9]
- Healthcare settings[10]
- State and local correctional facilities and detention centers[11]
- Homeless shelters[12]
- Long Term Care Settings & Adult and Senior Care Facilities[13]
Additionally, masks are required* for unvaccinated individuals in indoor public settings and businesses (examples: retail, restaurants, theaters, family entertainment centers, meetings, state and local government offices serving the public). Fully vaccinated individuals are recommended to continue indoor masking when the risk may be high. Surgical masks or higher-level respirators (e.g., N95s, KN95s, KF94s) with good fit are highly recommended.
*Guidance for Businesses, Venue Operators or Hosts
In settings where masks are required only for unvaccinated individuals, businesses, venue operators or hosts may choose to:
- Provide information to all patrons, guests and attendees regarding vaccination requirements and allow vaccinated individuals to self-attest that they are in compliance prior to entry.
- Implement vaccine verification to determine whether individuals are required to wear a mask.
- Require all patrons to wear masks.
No person can be prevented from wearing a mask as a condition of participation in an activity or entry into a business.”