Here’s where Sacramento County stands with COVID — and what it means for you and your mask

Grabbing a face mask before going outside has become a new normal for some, like grabbing your phone, wallet and keys before leaving the house.

Currently, more than 860,000 — almost 56% — of people in Sacramento County are fully vaccinated, according to the county’s public health dashboard, but mask sales are still up. The Adobe Digital Economy Index found that sales of masks had increased since July 21 and continued to rise at the beginning of August, right when the highly contagious COVID-19 delta variant surged.

Even with a majority vaccinated, face coverings are still being recommended and are required in some areas. Here’s the latest on mask guidance in and around Sacramento:

Should you still wear your mask?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people older than 2 years old should wear face coverings in indoor public spaces if they are not fully vaccinated.

People who are vaccinated and immunocompromised or are in “substantial or high transmission” areas should also wear a mask to protect themselves from the delta variant and to avoid spreading it to others.

If you are outside, then you do not need a mask, according to the CDC. However, it is recommended in crowded areas and whenever you come into contact with people who are not fully vaccinated.

In July, Sacramento County issued an order directing everyone, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a mask at all indoor public gatherings and workplaces. This is to reduce the rate of COVID-19 transmission in the community.

Throughout California, unvaccinated people are required by the California Department of Public Health to wear masks in indoor public areas, while it’s recommended for vaccinated individuals.

“When people who are not fully vaccinated wear a mask correctly, they protect others as well as themselves,” the CDPH wrote in a statement. “Consistent and correct mask use by people who are not fully vaccinated is especially important indoors.”

When should you wear your mask?

According to Sacramento County, unvaccinated and vaccinated people should wear face coverings when they are in places such as:

• Office spaces

• Restaurants and bars

• Retail stores

• Theaters

• Conference centers

• Family entertainment centers

• State and local government offices

The CDPH also requires masks on public transit, at K-12 schools, childcare centers, healthcare settings, homeless shelters, long-term care centers and adult and senior care facilities.

However, you are not required to wear a mask when you are eating, working alone in a closed room or office, or swimming or showering at a gym. There are also other exemptions to the mask requirements, as outlined by CDPH.

When can you stop wearing masks?

Last month, The Bee reported that indoor mask mandates in Sacramento County may be removed once the COVID-19 transmission rate in the county falls back to a low level as it once was before the delta variant surge.

According to Sacramento County Public Health Officer Dr. Olivia Kasirye, a “good point to end the indoor masking mandate” is when the county reaches a seven-day average of fewer than five daily coronavirus cases per 100,000.

Currently, the case rate in the county is about 15 per 100,000.

So until then, don’t forget your masks.

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