Long Beach to Align with California Health Guidance for the Use of Masks

Long Beach, CA – On June 9, 2021, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued new guidance for individuals for the use of masks for the prevention of spreading COVID-19. This updated guidance aligns with the masking guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and goes into effect on June 15, 2021.

“It’s important for workers and small businesses that we align our masking rules with the State,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “We do not plan to have more stringent rules than set out by the CDC and the California Department of Public Health.”

Under the new CDPH guidance, fully vaccinated individualsare not required to wear a facial covering except in certain settings such as healthcare settings, on public transportation, including but not limited to airplanes, buses, taxis and ride-shares, and indoor in K-12 schools, childcare and other youth settings, and certain congregate living settings (eg. homeless shelters and detention facilities). The City of Long Beach will align with the State on all masking guidelines.

Facial coverings remain required for unvaccinated individuals in indoor public settings and businesses, including but not limited to restaurants, retail establishments and family entertainment centers.

The CDPH also set guidelines for mega events, characterized as indoor events with more than 5,000 people or outdoor events with more than 10,000 people.

Indoor mega events such as conventions, conferences, expos, sporting events and concerts must adhere to the following guidelines, in addition to the general public health recommendations:

  • Verification of fully vaccinated status or a pre-entry negative test result is required of all attendees.
  • Information will be prominently placed on all communications, including the reservation and ticketing systems, to ensure guests are aware of testing and vaccination requirements (including acceptable modes of verification).

Outdoor mega events, such as music or food festivals, car shows, large endurance events, marathons, parades, sporting events and concerts must adhere to the following guidelines, in addition to the general public health recommendations:

  • Verification of fully vaccinated status or pre-entry negative test result is strongly recommended for all attendees.
  • Attendees who do not verify vaccination status should be asked to wear face coverings.
  • Information will be prominently placed on all communications, including the reservation and ticketing systems, to ensure guests are aware that the State strongly recommends that they be fully vaccinated, obtain a negative COVID-19 test prior to attending the event or wear a face covering.

California Department of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) November emergency guidance continues to be in place. The June 3, 2021 California Occupational Safety and Standards Board guidance was rescinded at the June 9 meeting, returning to the November 2020 masking, distancing, testing and cleaning requirements. Employees continue to be required to wear face coverings and distance while at work regardless of vaccine status. The California Occupational Safety and Standards Board anticipates updated guidance to be presented for vote at its June 17 meeting.  Any revisions would take effect on June 28. The City expects to follow Cal/OSHA guidelines as they are updated.

Existing State and City mask guidance will remain in place until June 15.  A state order changing the existing guidelines is expected by the State before June 15, which the City will align with.