By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
As case numbers and other metrics continue to remain low, California and Los Angeles County have lifted most restrictions that had been in place to curb the spread of COVID-19, effective June 15.
“It’s reopening day,” Governor Gavin Newsom tweeted Tuesday morning. “We’ve administered over 40 million vaccines. Now … No more social distancing. No more capacity limits. No more colors or county tiers. And if you’re vaccinated—no more masks. It’s a good day.”
A new public health order includes limited restrictions going forward, related to masking and “mega-events” (including conventions, concerts, sporting events and more), and settings serving children and youth.
“For indoor events with 5,000 or more people, attendees must confirm proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 status in order to attend,” according to a state-run COVID-19 informational website. “For outdoor events with 10,000 or more people, it is recommended that attendees confirm proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 status in order to attend.”
Los Angeles County has aligned with the state of California’s masking guidance, which reflect CDC recommendations. Masks are no longer required for fully vaccinated individuals, except in settings where masks are required for everyone—regardless of vaccination status.
These settings include on public transit (airplanes, buses, taxis, ride-shares and more) and in transportation hubs (including airports, bus terminals and train stations); indoors in K-12 schools, childcare and other youth settings; healthcare settings; state and local correctional facilities and detention centers; and homeless shelters, emergency shelters and cooling centers. Updated guidance for K-12 schools is expected soon.
“Masks will be required for unvaccinated individuals in indoor public settings and businesses,” Public Health reported June 9, including retail, restaurants, theaters, family entertainment centers, meetings, and state and local government offices serving the public.
“With the retiring of most distancing and capacity restrictions, businesses will be able to return to their customary activities,” Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer said in the June 9 statement. “The remaining public health safety measures of appropriate masking is critically important to protect those who are unvaccinated. We urge everyone who is unvaccinated to continue to wear their mask while at indoor public settings and businesses, and when at outdoor mega events.”
With Fourth of July approaching, Public Health urged residents to get vaccinated ahead of time.
“Receiving the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine by June 20 allows for the two-week time period needed to be fully protected by July 4,” according to Public Health on June 14. “If the Pfizer or Moderna two-dose vaccines are your preference, it is strongly recommended that you begin your two-dose series as soon as possible to have some limited protection before the July 4th holiday.”
As of June 11, 77% of Pacific Palisades and 75% of Palisades Highlands residents have gotten at least one shot, according to data from Public Health.
As the Post went to print Tuesday, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 had reached 1,246,619 across the county when factoring in Long Beach and Pasadena, with 24,416 deaths.
Pacific Palisades had reached 856 confirmed cases and 14 deaths Tuesday, with an additional 149 in Palisades Highlands and one death.
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