The indoor mask mandate remains a key tool in controlling the spread of COVID-19. The County of San Mateo, along with eight other Bay Area local governments, has agreed to lift indoor masking requirements when all of the following are achieved:

The rate of COVID-19 transmission reaches the “moderate” or yellow tier and remains there for at least three weeks;

The number of people hospitalized for COVID-19 is low and stable in the judgement of local health officials;

The percent of the total population that is fully vaccinated – two doses of Pfizer or Moderna or one dose of Johnson & Johnson – reaches 80% or eight weeks have passed since a COVID-19 vaccine has been authorized for emergency use by federal and state authorities for 5- to 11-year-olds. 

After the order is lifted, businesses, nonprofits, churches and others with public indoor spaces can continue to impose their own requirements. The County is currently in the orange tier in the Centers for Disease Control COVID-19 tracker.

Vaccine boosters

Pfizer boosters are available at local pharmacies and private health care facilities as well as all County-0perated community vaccination clinics. Drive-thru mass vaccination events are scheduled at the San Mateo County Event Center (1346 Saratoga Drive in San Mateo) through October 23 for those 18 years and older at least six months after their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

Appointments are encouraged through MyTurn, but are not required. 

Visit San Mateo County COVID-19 webpage for more information.