Dublin Can Go Maskless In These Places Next Month

DUBLIN, CA — Dublin residents can go maskless in select indoor spaces Nov. 1, so long as they are fully vaccinated, the Alameda County Health Services Agency announced Thursday.

This includes places that are not open to the public and contain fewer than 100 people, such as the following.

• Offices.
• Gyms and fitness centers.
• Commuter vehicles.
• Indoor college classes.
• Organized gatherings, including religious gatherings.

The new rules will not apply to places open to the public, such as bars, restaurants, K-12 schools and retail stores.

"Vaccinated people are less likely to become infected with COVID-19, especially if those around them are also vaccinated, and they are less likely to experience severe disease” said Dr. Nicholas Moss, county health officer, in a statement. “Allowing vaccinated people to remove their masks in these limited, controlled settings carries lower risk. If vaccinated people choose to continue wearing masks, they should feel comfortable doing so."

Moss continued to urge the public to get vaccinated to help get rid of masks altogether. Booster doses are available to people ages 65 and older or those who have increased risk of severe illness.

Hosts, businesses and organizations must verify that everyone in a room is vaccinated, according to the county. Guests must also be free of COVID-19 symptoms.

Here in Alameda County, COVID-19-related hospitalizations have fallen from a summertime high of 238 people to 89. COVID-19 cases have also declined as vaccination rates increased, according to the county.

Read the full order here.