CDPH to lift mask requirement in most settings for vaccinated people in June
CENTRAL COAST, Calif. (KION) California will implement CDC's recently updated guidelines on mask requirements, but not immediately. On June 15th, fully vaccinated Californians will no longer be required to wear a mask in most indoor settings.
"From wearing a mask you know for a full year, to not wearing it. Is it safe, is it okay?" said Mariah Mendoza.
According to the health department, the extra time allows them to prepare for this change and it will allow more time for people who have been waiting to be vaccinated.
Edith Contreras, a Gonzales resident said it's a good idea. However, she said there is a doubt with the new guidelines.
"I think that's going to be the main thing, fear. Because we're not really going to know who is vaccinated and who isn't," said Contreras.
Mariah Mendoza, a Salinas Resident and a mother of a newborn said that people not wearing masks will definitely be a scary change.
"Personally, I'm still going to wear a mask," said Mendoza. "I still feel unsafe not wearing a mask. I feel it would be a little more into the year until I decide not to wear a mask."
Despite the upcoming changes it's important to note that masks will still be required in schools, prisons, hospitals, and on public transportation. The Santa Cruz County Deputy Health Officer and San Benito County Health Officer David Guilarducci said people who are not vaccinated before June 15th, will be putting themselves at risk.
"Up until now, you've been able to rely on just about everybody else wearing a mask," said Dr. Guilarducci. "If you're not vaccinated, you sort of got away with it. Right? The chances of that are going to go down once masks become less common."
The CDC also said counties are able to adopt stricter mask mandates. However, counties on the central coast will not be adopting stricter guidelines and will follow the state's guidelines.
KION's Jonathan Sarabia will have more from Central Coast health officials tonight at 5 and 6 p.m.
