The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has updated the Guidance for the Use of Face Masks and extended the universal face mask requirement indoors through February 15, 2022 to slow the spread of COVID-19.

This new measure is intended to provide additional COVID-19 protection as the Omicron variant has been labeled as a variant of concern by the World Health Organization. This variant has been detected across Orange County, California, the United States, and the world. The Omicron variant spreads more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and the Delta variant.

For additional information on types of masks, the most effective masks, and ensuring a well-fitted mask, please refer to CDPH Get the Most out of Masking. For additional frequently asked questions about the State's universal masking mandate, please refer to the CDPH Masking Guidance Frequently Asked Questions.

In workplaces, employers are subject to the Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS) or in some workplaces the Cal/OSHA Aerosol Transmissible Diseases (ATD) Standard and should consult those regulations for additional applicable requirements.

Who is exempt from wearing a mask?

The following individuals are exempt from wearing masks at all times:

• Young children under the age of two-years-old due to the risk of suffocation.
• Persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a mask. This includes persons with a medical condition for whom wearing a mask could obstruct breathing or who are unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove a mask without assistance.
• Persons who are hearing impaired, or communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication.
• Persons for whom wearing a mask would create a risk to the person related to their work, as determined by local, state, or federal regulators or workplace safety guidelines.

Additionally, exceptions to the universal masking requirements apply in the following circumstances in specified settings:

• Masks may be removed while actively eating or drinking.
• Persons who are working alone in a closed office or room.
• Persons who are actively performing at indoor live or recorded settings or events such as music, acting, or singing. If performers do not wear a mask indoors while performing, CDPH strongly recommends that individuals be tested for COVID-19 at least once weekly. An FDA-approved antigen test, PCR test, or pooled PCR test is acceptable for evaluation of an individual's COVID-19 status.
• Persons who are obtaining a medical or cosmetic service involving the nose or face for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the services.
• Workers who wear respiratory protection, per CalOSHA requirements.
• Persons who are specifically exempted from wearing masks by other CDPH guidance.

COVID-19 Testing

In addition to getting vaccinated, Orange County residents and visitors are encouraged to take these COVID-19 preventative measures:

Get tested 24 hours before and 3-5 days after gathering or traveling: 

• Self-collection, at-home COVID-19 Test Kits are available at no cost to people who work or live in Orange County, and can be ordered online at ochealthinfo.com/covidtest. 
• For a list of testing locations in the Fourth District, please visit https://d4.ocgov.com/4th-district-testing-sites.

People without symptoms, or who have mild symptoms and are at low risk of severe disease, should not go to the hospital or emergency room to obtain COVID-19 testing. Hospitals are focused on people who are sick and need urgent care.

Rapid tests are currently in short supply nationwide; people who are in need of quicker test results are encouraged to check with their healthcare provider or local retail pharmacy for availability of rapid tests.