California School Mask Mandate: When Will Mask Requirements Officially End?

California school mask mandate will no longer be required for children as California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the end of mask mandates, along with governors of Oregon and Washington.

The mask mandate will be turned into a recommendation instead of a requirement at most indoor places in California and at schools on March 12, regardless of vaccination status, according to The Press Democrat News report.

However, federal mask requirements will still apply in high-risk indoor settings such as public transportation, airport, and taxis.

California Playbook writer for POLITICO Jeremy B. White tweeted about the new developments in the COVID-19 mask mandate, while also mentioning that the school mask rule ends the same day as the midterm candidate filing deadline.

Almost two years ago, California was the first state to announce a shutdown with stay-at-home orders in March 2020. The state's move was soon followed by other states.

California School Mask Mandate

California officials highlighted that masks will be strongly recommended. However, it will no longer be required.

Mostly, the mask recommendation will be covering unvaccinated individuals in most indoor settings starting Tuesday.

Dr. Mark Ghaly, California's health, and human services secretary, said that today is an important date for California, with the decision driven by data and the science, according to the Los Angeles Times report. He added during a press briefing that the new guidance may "be received with some trepidation."

Ghaly said that they are acknowledging and giving communities time and space to make decisions based on thoughtful listening.

Lara Korte of The Sacramento Bee said that the parent-led group CA Parent Power thinks the March 12 date "is too late for schools to unmask."

The state's largest school system, Los Angeles Unified, will have to require masking at least through the end of the current school year, with its teacher union agreement in mind. However, district officials could bring the matter back to negotiations if they wish.

Author Steve Hilton tweeted that Santa Clara County public health director Sara Cody is extending the mask mandate despite California deciding to drop the requirement.

Newsom said in a statement that California continues to adjust its policies based on the latest data and science while applying what they have learned over the past two years.

The California governor added that people cannot predict the future of the virus, but said that the state is better prepared for it and will continue to take measures founded by science, according to an ABC 7 News report.

COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates in California

Last month, the state of California announced Sen. Richard Pan's introduction of a bill that would supersede Newsom's student COVID-19 vaccine mandate by removing the personal belief exemption, according to a Cal Matters news release.

The bill will require all children in kindergarten to 12th grade to get the shot by Jan. 1, 2023, with only students with rare medical exemptions could be excluded.

Lawmakers are also weighing introducing bills that would remove religious exemptions for health care workers and require proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter almost all public spaces such as workplaces, schools, malls, museums, and restaurants.

California has given 71.6 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, with 27.8 million being fully vaccinated and 70.4 percent of the population being fully vaccinated.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: California's School Mask Mandate To Be Lifted - from CBS Los Angeles