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Health Order Guidance

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Face Covering Guidance

Masks are no longer required for unvaccinated individuals in California, but are strongly recommended for all individuals in most indoor settings. After March 11, in schools and childcare facilities, masks will not be required but will be strongly recommended. Individual school districts can decide to be more restrictive than the state and may continue to require masks. Masks will still be required for everyone in high transmission settings such as public transit, emergency shelters, health care settings, correctional facilities, homeless shelters, and long-term care facilities. 

    Guidance for Businesses, Venue Operators, or Hosts

    In settings where masks are strongly recommended, businesses, venue operators or hosts should consider:

    • Providing information to all patrons, guests and attendees regarding masking recommendations for all persons, regardless of vaccine status.
    • Providing information to all patrons, guests and attendees to consider better fit and filtration for masks [Surgical masks or higher-level respirators (e.g., N95s, KN95s, KF94s) with good fit are recommended over cloth masks].
    • Requiring all patrons to wear masks, especially when risk in the community may be high, or if those being served are at high-risk for severe disease or illness.
    • Requiring attendees who do not provide proof of vaccination to enter indoor Mega Events to continue masking during the event, especially when not actively eating or drinking. 

    No person can be prevented from wearing a mask as a condition of participation in an activity or entry into a business.

    Read full California Department of Public Health Requirements

    Mega Events

    Starting February 16, 2022, the California Department of Public Health Guidance on Mega Events will return to thresholds of 1,000 attendees for Indoor Mega Events and 10,000 attendees for Outdoor Mega Events. Read full requirements and guidance.

    Cal/OSHA Requirements

    Applicable businesses in California must follow Cal/OSHA's COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards.

    • Standards include guidance and requirements on
    • Masking requirements
    • COVID-19 prevention and mitigation
    • Workplace exposure and outbreaks
    • Employee isolation and quarantine

    For guidance on employee masking requirements, read Cal/OSHA's FAQ's on Face Coverings and Other Controls.