Time to ditch that cloth mask? California public health officials recommend upgrading

Californians looking to comply with the statewide indoor masking order should consider upgrading their masks, according to state guidelines.

The California Department of Public Health recommends avoiding a cloth mask, and instead using a surgical mask or higher-level respirators instead.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom implemented a month-long mandatory indoor mask order which began Dec. 15 and runs through Jan. 15. Newsom gave the order as the state saw a significant rise in COVID-19 cases, despite the fact that Californians continue to get their vaccine and booster shots.

The order also cited concern with the growing number of cases of the omicron variant of COVID-19.

The state recommends wearing a surgical mask, either by itself or in conjunction with a cloth mask, or wearing a N95, KN95 or KF94 mask.

“No person can be prevented from wearing a mask as a condition of participation in an activity or entry into a business,” according to the department.

The following people are exempt from the mask requirement:

▪ Children under the age of 2.

▪ People with a medical condition or mental health condition or a disability preventing them from wearing a mask.

▪ People who are hearing impaired or communicating with a person who is hearing impaired.

▪ People who would be at risk wearing a mask at their work.

This story was originally published January 3, 2022 at 12:17 PM with the headline "Time to ditch that cloth mask? California public health officials recommend upgrading."