California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly announced Monday, May 17, 2021, that California will keep its existing mask guidance place until June 15 when California aims to fully reopen the economy.

On May 3, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued updated guidance on the use of face coverings when outdoors. Face coverings continue to be required in most indoor settings.

For fully vaccinated persons, face coverings are not required outdoors except when attending crowded outdoor events, such as live performances, parades, fairs, festivals, sports events or other similar settings. 

For unvaccinated persons, face coverings are required outdoors any time physical distancing cannot be maintained, including when attending crowded outdoor events, such as live performances, parades, fairs, festivals, sports events or other similar settings. 

In indoor settings outside of one's home, including public transportation, face coverings continue to be required regardless of vaccination status, except as outlined on the CDPH website.

After June 15, California plans to implement the CDC's guidelines around masking to allow fully vaccinated Californians to go without a mask in most indoor settings. This four-week period will give Californians time to prepare for this change while we continue our relentless focus on delivering vaccines, particularly in underserved communities.

All Californians are urged to be vaccinated to ensure that infection and hospitalization rates remain low across the state and that we can all return to the activities we love.