As California lifts most COVID-19 restrictions Tuesday, June 15, the all eligible individuals are encouraged to take advantage of free vaccination clinics.

As of 12:01 a.m., Tuesday, June 15, 2021, California moves “Beyond the Blueprint,” which ends the color-coded reopening tier systems and lifts most restrictions on businesses. The County of San Mateo fully aligns with all state COVID-19 health and safety guidelines and has no plans to impose separate guidance. 

As of June 15, 2021, there are no longer capacity or distancing requirements for most businesses or public settings.

Fully vaccinated people can stop wearing face coverings outdoors and indoors – with the following exceptions:

• On public transit (buses, ride-shares, taxis, airplanes, trains, ferries)
• Indoors in K-12 schools, child care and other youth settings
• Health care settings and long-term care facilities
• Correctional facilities and detention centers
• Homeless shelters, emergency shelters, cooling centers

Businesses, public agencies and other organizations may still require face coverings, for both employees and members of the public. Most public agency employees are currently required to wear facial coverings in alignment with Cal-OSHA’s workplace safety requirements. Cal-OSHA is expected to provide an update to guidance later this week.

Vaccination availability
Anyone age 12 and older can be vaccinated free in San Mateo County. Vaccines are widely available at health care providers as well as certain pharmacies and other locations.

San Mateo County Health operates or supports numerous clinics with a focus on areas with low vaccination rates. To find a vaccine site near you, view the county’s vaccine clinic calendar. 

The county is also collaborating with local groups to bring targeted vaccine pop up events to groups of 25 or more. You can request an event at least two weeks in advance.
 
The state’s MyTurn website provides a list of vaccine clinics and appointments are now optional. Visit MyTurn.ca.gov for more information.  

COVID-19 testing
Testing remains an important strategy in continuing to reduce the spread of the disease and to protect individuals who have not been vaccinated. Testing is available for all ages, including young children and infants, and all testing sites now use more comfortable testing methods by swabbing the front part of the nose or mouth.

People who are vaccinated or unvaccinated should be tested if they have symptoms of COVID-19. Unvaccinated persons should be tested if they have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 or have concerns about being infected or exposed.

View the county’s testing website for more information about locations and schedules. In addition to these sites, testing is also available from health care providers and other community organizations.