Humboldt County changes mask mandate for vaccinated people

• As of Feb.15 vaccinated people can take off their masks in some public places
• Businesses and other places like schools can still require masks 
• Unvaccinated people are required to wear a mask in public indoor places
• Mask mandates for schools will be reassessed on Feb. 28

California lifted its indoor mask mandate on Feb.15 for vaccinated people. People not vaccinated are still required to wear a mask indoors. Humboldt County also lifted their indoor mask mandate but is still highly encouraging that all people continue to wear masks indoors in crowded, high-risk areas. 

Humboldt County 

Humboldt County Health Officer, Dr. Ian P. Hoffman, said in a Rescinding Local Face Coverings Order on Feb.14 that the following places will still require masks indoors regardless of vaccination status: 

• K-12 schools (teachers and students, this will be reassessed on Feb. 28)
• Childcare and healthcare settings 
• Public transportation and transit hubs 
• Correctional facilities
• Homeless shelters and long-term
• Adult and senior care settings

“Businesses and workplaces may continue to require universal masking of everyone, regardless of vaccination status as is recommended by federal or state recommendations in areas of substantial or high transmission,” Dr. Ian Hoffman said in the order on Feb. 14. 

Cal Poly Humboldt  

Cal Poly Humboldt sent an email explaining the new mask requirements on campus. Here’s what students and faculty need to know about masks:

• Face masks are mandatory, regardless of vaccination status, inside all campus facilities except for certain private spaces and designated eating areas*
• Masks must be worn in cars or buses for University activities
• N95 masks are recommended indoors, but NOT required
• Neck gaiters, which are often made of thin material, must have at least two layers.
• Cloth face masks must have at least two layers of cotton
• Fitted masks are required, neck gaiters and bandanas are not effective
• After use, face coverings must be laundered or disposed of
• Wearing masks outdoors on campus will be optional

Testing and Vaccines

English and Spanish speakers can ask questions about COVID-19, the vaccine and testing locations by calling the Joint Information Center at 707-441-5000.To schedule an appointment for COVID-19 vaccines, go to www.MyTurn.ca.gov.