Gov. Newsom to allow California's indoor mask mandate to expire

Gov. Gavin Newsom  (D-Calif.) announced Monday that he will allow California's indoor mask mandate to expire next week but the measure will still be in effect for schools and those who are unvaccinated.

"CA’s case rate has decreased by 65% since our Omicron peak. Our hospitalizations have stabilized across the state. Our statewide indoor mask requirement will expire on 2/15. Unvaccinated people will still need to wear masks indoors," Newsom tweeted, adding, "Get vaccinated. Get boosted."

The state health department said additional updates to COVID policies will be announced in the coming week.

"Omicron has loosened its hold on California, vaccines for children under 5 are around the corner, and access to COVID-19 treatments is improving," state public health director Dr. Tomás Aragón said. "With things moving in the right direction, we are making responsible modifications to COVID-19 prevention measures, while also continuing to develop a longer-term action plan for the state."