California's indoor mask mandate returns Wednesday

California is reinstating the mask mandate for all indoor public spaces in the midst of a spike in COVID-19 cases, authorities said today.

The new mandate goes into effect on Wednesday, according to a press release from the California Department of Public Health. Masks will be required, regardless of vaccination status, through Jan. 15.

According to the press release, COVID-19 rates have increased 47 percent since Thanksgiving, prompting the action announced today.

"Our collective actions can save lives this holiday season,” said Dr. Tomas J Aragon, CPDH director and state public health officer. “We are already seeing a higher level of transmission this winter and it is important to act now to prevent overwhelming our busy hospitals so we can provide quality health care to all Californians.

“All Californians should get vaccinated and receive their booster. Getting your whole family up to date on vaccination is the most important action you can take to get through the pandemic and to protect yourself from serious impacts from the virus and its variants. Testing and masking remain important tools in slowing the spread.”

In addition, those planning to attend mega events (crowds of more than 1,000) such as concerts and sports events must provide proof of vaccination or a negative antigen COVID-19 test within a day of the event, or a negative PCR test within two days of the event.

Also, effective immediately, a new travel advisory recommends that travelers arriving in California test for COVID-19 within three to five days after arrival, regardless of their vaccination status. In Menifee, 321 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported since Dec. 1, along with five additional deaths.