Pasadena updates health order to again require masks indoors

Pasadena’s health officer on Thursday issued an updated health order reinstating the use of masks for everyone in indoor public settings and businesses, regardless of vaccination status. The mandate comes as both Pasadena and Los Angeles County have seen an increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

Since June 15, when most restrictions from the state were lifted, the average rate of new daily COVID-19 cases in Pasadena has increased by 586% to reach the “Substantial Transmission” level of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Indicators for Levels of Community Transmission. The testing positivity rate in Pasadena has also risen to the “Substantial Transmission” level. In Los Angeles County where a large proportion of the people who work, visit, or patronize businesses in Pasadena reside, the rate of COVID-19 cases has increased to the “High Transmission” level, introducing greater risk of transmission in Pasadena. Hospitalizations from COVID-19 both locally and throughout Los Angeles County have more than doubled.

In addition, the significantly more transmissible Delta variant has become the predominant strain in the U.S. and has been detected in specimens collected from Pasadena residents with COVID-19, from multiple unrelated households.

In response, city officials urged residents to get vaccinated, in addition to masking, to stem the spread of COVID-19.

“Everyone who is eligible should get vaccinated as soon as possible. Currently authorized vaccines have proven effective at preventing severe outcomes from the virus causing COVID-19, including the Delta variant. Getting vaccinated is one of the most important ways to help stop COVID-19 spread, especially as we prepare to welcome our school-aged children back to full-time, in-person learning in just a few weeks,” said Dr. Ying-Ying Goh, health officer and director of the Pasadena Public Health Department. “The vaccines are safe, effective, and are available at no cost to you.”

The new health order requires face coverings for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, in all indoor public settings, venues, gatherings and businesses such as offices, retail and grocery stores, restaurants, bars, pubs, breweries, theaters, gyms and fitness centers.

Businesses, individuals and venue operators or hosts of public indoor settings must require patrons to wear masks, regardless of vaccination status, and post signage at entrances informing the public of masking requirements.

Private gatherings are not subject to masking requirements and at this time, no capacity restrictions or changes to other business operations are included in the health order. The California Department of Public Health requires indoor masking for all, regardless of vaccination status, in K-12 school settings.

COVID-19 vaccines are available through the Pasadena Public Health Department at no cost. People age 12 years and over are eligible to receive the vaccine. For more information and to register for an appointment, visit MyTurn.ca.gov or www.cityofpasadena.net/public-health/covid-19-vaccine/#vaccination-sites.

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