The Los Angeles County requirements and recommendations for wearing masks in public indoor settings depend on the COVID-19 impact level, which is determined by how many people are newly hospitalized due to COVID-19 in the County. This level is reported weekly as the COVID-19 Hospital Admissions Level by the CDC. The current impact level is LOW.
For a mask to work well, it needs to have both a good fit and good filtration. While all masks provide some level of protection, well-fitting respirators (such as N95, KN95, and KF94) provide the best protection. There are some people who should not wear a mask, such as children younger than 2. People with communication difficulties or certain disabilities may need special considerations.
RULES AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR INDOOR PUBLIC SPACES |
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REQUIREMENTS |
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When the level is LOW, MEDIUM, or HIGH, you MUST wear a mask:
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RECOMMENDATIONS |
THE LEVEL IS CURRENTLY LOW, so it is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that you wear a mask indoors: (unless required – see above)
In all other settings, you are encouraged to choose to wear a mask based on your preference and personal risk. |
**No one can be prevented from wearing a mask to participate in an activity or enter a business.** |
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When the level increases to MEDIUM |
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When the level increases to HIGH |
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Workers must follow masking rules in the workplace.
Healthcare and Direct Care settings: Workers in healthcare facilities and direct care settings are required by the Los Angeles County Health Officer Order to wear a mask when they are providing care or working in-person with patients, clients, and residents. They are also required to wear a mask in patient care areas when patients, clients, or residents are present. See the order for more details.
Other workplace settings, employers may choose to require workers and visitors to wear masks.
Cal/OSHA Employers are required to follow the Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Prevention – Non-Emergency Regulations or, in some workplaces, the Cal/OSHA Aerosol Transmissible Diseases (ATD) Standard. Cal/OSHA has more protective masking rules for workers in certain situations. Examples include:
Review the Cal/OSHA links above for more information on the COVID-19 Prevention regulations.
When workers are not required to wear a mask, employers must allow workers to wear a mask if they want to, unless it would create a safety hazard, such as interfering with the safe operation of equipment. See Cal/OSHA FAQs: Face Coverings.