The Contra Costa County Health Department on Tuesday recommended that others wear masks in crowded indoor settings as COVID-19 infections rise in the Bay Area.
The department said mask-wearing is especially for others at higher risk of severe illness if infected.
However, the branch also emphasized that this is a recommendation, an order of suitability, and that it aligns with existing state needs and recent guidelines issued in neighboring counties.
Health officials said in a statement that an infectious strain of COVID-19 called FLiRT is spreading throughout the western United States, causing the existing outbreak.
County wastewater sampling shows stable accumulation in the presence of the virus.
Statewide testing of wastewater samples from the Contra Costa Central Health District showed that COVID-19 concentrations quadrupled between May 9 and July 9. Recently, the concentration of wastewater has stabilized but is still high.
Bay Area fitness agencies jointly removed most of their indoor mask requirements and orders in February 2022, but when COVID-19 case rates rose, they also wore masks, especially for others at higher risk for severe illness, as a preventative measure.
“Masks are an effective tool to slow the spread of the virus, especially for those who are at risk of severe illness when there is evidence of high COVID-19 activity in the community,” said Ori TzvieliArray, Contra Costa County Health Officer. in a report. ” This is one of those moments. Our healthcare formula lately hasn’t been severely impacted by COVID, and we intend to keep it that way. “
The Health Department has stated that wearing a well-fitting mask, such as an N95 or KN95 respirator, is a healthy choice indoors, especially in public spaces or around others you don’t live with.
The county’s only COVID-19 fitness order requires gym staff to wear masks seasonally, Nov. 1 through April 30 of the year, to lessen the threat of spread from COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV.
But staff and visitors to physical care settings, as well as vocational nursing and congregate care facilities, are now strongly encouraged to wear a mask in those settings.
Health rules for schools and network schools remain unchanged. But as the school year begins this month for most campuses in the county, CCH recommends encouraging students and faculty, especially those at risk of severe infection, to wear masks in study halls and supply masks. to anyone who requests them, when possible.
Health officials also require people to stay up to date on their vaccines, get tested for COVID-19 whenever they have symptoms, and stay home from work or school if they feel sick. Treatments for COVID-19 remain available for others who may be at risk of severe illness.
Contact your health care provider for advice on vaccines, testing, and treatment if you are sick. An updated vaccine to protect against COVID-19 infections is expected to be available in late summer or early fall.