We have all heard that mask policies have recently changed in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties – aligning with California state recommendations. While masks are no longer required indoors for people who are fully vaccinated – that does not apply to all settings or business types.

MASKS ARE STILL REQUIRED IN HEALTHCARE FACILITIES, MEDICAL & DENTAL OFFICES

Universal masking is still in effect within medical and long-term care facilities, dental offices, schools, childcare facilities, jails, and prisons. There are many individuals inside medical offices or clinics who are at-risk, immunocompromised or may temporarily be experiencing poor health who could suffer severe consequences if exposed to Coronavirus. This is about the safety of our community and people who feel unwell. It’s still about slowing the spread, especially for people needing assistance with their health. When entering and while inside a CHC clinic, you will be required to wear a facemask at all times that covers your mouth and nose. If you do not have a mask, we will have one for you at the front door.

MASKING IS STILL STRONGLY RECOMMENDED

State and county health officials along with many doctors are recommending that people continue to wear masks indoors as we have been doing. This is especially the case if you are around at-risk people who are immunocompromised, older or have comorbidities. No one should let their guard down when there are at-risk or elderly family members at home.

Unvaccinated people are still required to wear face coverings indoors in public, regardless of the setting or business type.

Getting your COVID-19 vaccine series or updating your protection with a booster is still the best way to protect against severe illness if you are exposed to the virus. While it may seem that COVID-19 hospitalizations and positive case rates are trending down, they are greater in the unvaccinated and can often lead to severe illness.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHC’S VACCINE OPTIONS

Get up-to-date COVID-19 information, testing and vaccination locations, answers to frequent questions and more at our COVID-19 Patient Resource page.