LAC | DPH | Mask Wearing Rules and Recommendations

Indoor Mask Wearing Rules and Recommendations for LA County Ver página en Español

Indoor mask wearing rules and recommendations in Los Angeles County change based on state and county requirements and the LA County CDC COVID-19 community level and transmission rate. For details, see the LA County COVID-19 Response Plan.

*YOU MUST wear a mask:**
In healthcare settings (including long-term care settings and adult/senior care facilities). In places where it is required by the site, including business, schools, and workplaces If you have COVID-19. You must wear a highly protective mask if you need to be around others, including at home, until you end isolation. If you are eligible to end isolation after Day 5 because you have a negative test result, it is strongly recommended that you continue to wear a mask through Day 10. In workplace settings, you must wear a mask through Day 10. If you are a close contact to someone with COVID-19. You must wear a highly protective mask when you are around others for 10 days after your last day of exposure. Where required by public health for managing an outbreak at your workplace or the congregate setting where you live.
It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that you wear a mask (Unless required – see You must wear a mask above)
In indoor public places if you are at risk for severe illness, especially if crowded or poorly ventilated. Wear a highly protective mask when you are in these settings. On all forms of public transit, including trains, buses, shuttle buses, taxis, ride-shares, and medical transport. In all transportation hubs, including airport and bus terminals, train and subway stations, seaports or other indoor port terminals, or any other indoor area that serves as a transportation hub.
INDIVIDUAL PREFERENCE whether you wear a mask: (Unless required – see You must wear a mask above)
In state and local correctional facilities and detention centers In homeless and emergency shelters In any other public settings
No one can be prevented from wearing a mask to participate in an activity or enter a business.

Note: When masks are required, you are allowed to take off your mask while you are:

Actively eating or drinking.
Alone in a separate room or space.
Showering or swimming.
Receiving medical, dental, cosmetic, personal hygiene or personal care services (like a facial or shave) that cannot be done without removing your mask.
Receiving or providing a speech, occupational or language therapy session where temporary removal of the mask is necessary, as determined by the therapy provider.

*There are some people who should not wear a mask, such as children younger than 2, people with certain medical conditions or disabilities, and people instructed by their medical provider not to wear a mask. See Who should not wear a mask and Special considerations for persons with communication difficulties or certain disabilities.