Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) is expected to adjust its Health Officer Order to align with new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on when and where people need to wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19, officials announced Tuesday. 

The CDC released updated guidance Tuesday on when and where masks would need to be worn to prevent the spread of COVID-19, making allowances for vaccinated individuals and newly-reopened businesses.

The CDC new recommendations support the continued need for everyone, including those fully vaccinated, to wear masks while in crowds where 6-feet of distance from other persons is not possible, while at large events and gatherings, and in indoor settings where unvaccinated people may be present. 

“Because COVID-19 can still easily spread, unvaccinated people, who remain at highest risk of becoming infected, need to continue wearing masks in all settings where they are around people not in their household,” officials said Tuesday. 

While these changes are appropriate and science-based, they can create unintended risk if individuals not yet fully vaccinated discontinue wearing their masks in situations where they may become infected. 

More than 50% of the people living in Los Angeles County are not yet fully vaccinated and intermingling with others who are not vaccinated and unmasked increases the possibility of virus transmission, according to LADPH officials. 

“Given the continued threat of variants, masking and distancing are essential protections for those not yet vaccinated. The only safe way for us to enjoy more activities without masking and distancing, is for everyone eligible to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as they can,” read a Tuesday statement. 

See Related: L.A. County Walk-Up COVID-19 Vaccinations Availability Extended Through Thursday

Anyone 16 and older living or working in Los Angeles County can now get vaccinated without booking an appointment at the following locations (teens 16 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). Registration for COVID-19 appointments are to be completed on-site.

The County plans to modify the Health Officer Order to reflect these changes and provide guidance on additional activities and settings this week.

See All Coronavirus Coverage: Coronavirus Coverage – COVID-19 Map

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