The mandate that required all individuals to wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status, has been rescinded in Stanislaus County effective immediately. The announcement from the county came late Monday afternoon, Nov. 15.
The order was put in place on Sept. 4, to reduce the rate of community spread and to keep hospitals from going over capacity.
The Public Health Order was set to be rescinded 24 hours after the seven‐day average case rate dropped below 20 cases per 100,000 per day.
“We have made progress decreasing the spread of COVID‐19 in Stanislaus County, but we need to not let our guard down,” said Dr. Julie Vaishampayan, Stanislaus County Public Health Officer. “We are entering the season where respiratory viruses, including the virus that causes COVID‐19, thrive and spread. Please continue to take measures to protect yourself and your loved ones.”
The Stanislaus County Health Officer will continue to assess the public health situation as it evolves and may need to reinstate the face covering order if the capacity of the hospitals are again in jeopardy due to COVID‐19.
Prevention measures, when applied in combination, helps protect from COVID‐19, added county health officials. These measures include:
Vaccinating: The COVID‐19 vaccines are highly effective, free, and recommended for everyone age 5 years and older. Make an appointment at myturn.ca.gov
Masking: The June 24, 2021 Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) continues to apply throughout the County. (https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID‐19/guidance‐for‐face‐ coverings.aspx). This requires all who are not fully vaccinated to mask at all times in indoor public settings and businesses. This guidance also requires all regardless of vaccination status to mask on public transit and in transportation hubs, K‐12 schools and childcare, emergency shelters and cooling centers, healthcare, correctional facilities and detention centers, homeless shelters, long term care, and adult and senior care facilities.
Physical Distancing: Respiratory droplets are the primary vehicle for spread between people. Increasing distance during meetings and indoor gatherings to six feet or more can help stop the spread.
Washing Hands: Frequently wash hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol‐based hand sanitizer.
Quarantine and Isolation: Patients with symptoms or a positive COVID test must stay home, unless seeking medical care. Everyone should continue to monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID‐19, especially following exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID‐19. If symptoms develop, all people, regardless of vaccination status, should isolate and be clinically evaluated for COVID‐19, including SARS‐CoV‐2 testing. Anyone testing positive for COVID‐19, regardless of vaccination status, must follow the General Isolation Order of the Stanislaus County Health Officer.
