Sun Staff Reports

Bay Area counties recently issued a mask mandate in indoor public settings for everyone, regardless of vaccination status, with limited exceptions. Most transmission of COVID-19 happens indoors.

California has now changed its mask requirements to match CDC guidance. If everyone wears a mask indoors, it will reduce community transmission and protect our community.

While California is fully open, the risk of COVID-19 is still present, especially for those who are not fully vaccinated against the virus.

When people wear masks correctly, they protect others as well as themselves.

Everyone 2 years of age and older must continue to wear a mask, regardless of their vaccination status, in indoor public settings and businesses.

Health officials reported a steep rise in the number of COVID-19 cases with the Delta variant. Because the Delta variant is more aggressive, more contagious (60% more transmissible than previous variants), and widespread in our community, we need more protection.

Vaccines remain the most powerful tool in the fight against COVID-19, including the Delta variant.

For these reasons, Bay Area health officials urge immediate vaccination.