Gov Newsom wearing a mask
The mask mandate in Los Angeles County could end in early April if current trends continue, health officials said this week.
The number of Covid-19 positive patients in county hospitals dropped below 2,600 on Wednesday and cases are falling steadily. At the current rate, the county would reach the threshold for the two-week countdown for ending mask mandates by March.
But Barbara Ferrer, Director of the County Public Health Department, the mask rule will not be lifted until the county's virus-transmission rate falls to "moderate" level as defined by the CDC.
A "moderate" transmission level is defined as less than 50 positive cases per 100,000 residents. Currently, Los Angeles County is recording 800 cases per 100,000 residents, health officials said.
Ferrer said if hospital figures fall below 2500 for two consecutive weeks, the county will lift its mask mandate for outdoor "mega-events" and outdoors at schools and childcare centers.
The indoor mask mandate, however, will replace in place until much stricter criteria are met, health officials said.
"Masking will remain a requirement until at least March, but more likely at least April," officials added.
Earlier this week, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that the state mask mandate would expire on February 15.
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