City Of Alameda: Alameda County Statement In Response To State's Masking Announcement

Press release from the City of Alameda:

March 02, 2022

Alameda County Statement in Response to State’s February 28 Masking Announcements

At this time, masking requirements in Alameda County are set by the State’s Guidance for the Use of Face Masks and therefore, the County is aligned with the State’s update today permitting unvaccinated individuals from going without masks in indoor public settings. Given continued improvements in local and statewide measures, this is a reasonable change.

The Alameda County Public Health Department always reviews state guidance when it is shared with local health jurisdictions. In general, we align with state K-12 schools and childcare guidance because it has prioritized in-person learning and relied on evidence to balance prevention and risk. In addition, we seek to limit confusion and minimize the patchwork of restrictions that can undermine overall efforts without always contributing to significant differences in health outcomes. However, we make decisions to align local guidance with the state only after an assessment of how changes may impact residents. It is crucial that our local COVID-19 response continues to protect the public's health in Alameda County broadly and in the communities most impacted by the pandemic.

If you are considering not wearing a mask, understand the risk of exposure to COVID for you and those around you. Talk to your medical provider if you have health conditions or are immunocompromised. If you’re feeling sick, stay at home. If you must leave your home, wear a well-fitting, high-quality mask.

This press release was produced by the City of Alameda. The views expressed here are the author’s own.