Public Health Department Updates Health Officer Orders and Asks Residents to Mask, Get Boosted

PASADENA, Calif.-Pasadena Public Health Department health officer orders have been revised to strongly recommend masking for everyone ages 2 years and older, regardless of vaccination status, in indoor workplaces, indoor public spaces, and public transit. In addition to strongly recommending masking in indoor workplaces, indoor public settings, and public transit, the health officer orders establish threshold criteria that would lead to mandatory masking, including COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and staffed inpatient hospital beds. Indoor masking continues to be required in all healthcare settings.

Recent variants of COVID-19 have infected a significant proportion of residents in Pasadena and Los Angeles County. Pasadena Public Health Department is asking all residents to layer in sensible COVID-19 protections this holiday season, including indoor masking and getting vaccinated and boosted. Pasadena Health Officer Dr. Eric G. Handler says, "Everyone should wear a mask now to ensure they can enjoy the holidays with their families later."

Under the updated orders, masking is strongly recommended for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals while indoors in all workplaces and public settings, which is in alignment with recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "With increased travel and large gatherings, masking and staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones. These basic precautions can help prevent increases in COVID-19 cases and avoid the need for mandatory masking in indoor workplaces, public settings, and public transit," says Manuel Carmona, interim public health director.

The updated health orders establish threshold metrics, including COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and staffed inpatient hospital beds, to determine when mandatory masking indoors will be required. Local hospitals and healthcare facilities are significantly strained. Managing high levels of COVID-19 cases is an ongoing challenge for the healthcare system and limits resources available for helping those in need of treatment. "We are seeing increases in COVID-19 cases and local hospitalizations and unseasonably elevated levels of influenza infections that put our local residents at increased risk for severe illness and death," says Dr. Handler.

Pasadena Public Health Department urges everyone to take precautions to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases including:

• Wearing a well-fitting respirator or mask (e.g., N95, KN95, KF94)
• Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccination, including all primary series doses and boosters, and getting a flu vaccine
• Staying home when sick and following recommended practices if exposed to COVID-19, including seeking treatment
• Testing if you are sick or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19
• Washing hands regularly