Rescission of August 2, 2021 Health Order Requiring Use of Face Coverings Indoors By All Persons
This guidance is no longer in effect and is for historical purposes only.
DATE OF ORDER: February 28, 2022
UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTIONS 101040, 101085, 120175, AND SANTA CLARA COUNTY ORDINANCE CODE SECTION A18-33, THE HEALTH OFFICER OF THE COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA ("HEALTH OFFICER") ORDERS:
- Rescission. The August 2, 2021 Health Officer Order Requiring Use of Face Coverings Indoors By All Persons ("August 2, 2021 Face Covering Order") is hereby rescinded, effective at 12:01 am on March 2, 2022. For clarity, other COVID-19-related Health Orders that are currently still in effect are not rescinded or modified by this Order.
- Strong Recommendation to Continue Universal Use of Face Coverings Indoors. Notwithstanding the rescission of the August 2, 2021 Face Covering Order, the Health Officer strongly recommends that all persons continue to wear face coverings when indoors, consistent with the requirements and recommendations of the August 2, 2021 Face Covering Order. The Health Officer further recommends that that all businesses and governmental entities likewise continue to require use of face coverings indoors.
- Obligation to Follow State Orders and Regulations. For clarity, all individuals and entities must continue to comply with the orders of the State Health Officer, any mandatory guidance issued by the California Department of Public Health, any mandatory orders of the Governor or a State agency (such as Cal/OSHA), or any other mandatory provision of State law.
- Getting Vaccinated Is the Best Way to Reduce Risk. Getting vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 is the best way to protect the vaccinated person from infection, hospitalization, or death from COVID-19, as well as to prevent harm to others by reducing the risk of transmission of COVID-19. Therefore, all eligible persons are strongly urged to get vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 as soon as possible.
- Effective Date. This Order is effective at 12:01 am on March 2, 2022.
- Copies. Copies of this Order shall promptly be: (1) made available at the County Government Center at 70 W. Hedding Street, San Jose, California; (2) posted on the County Public Health Department's COVID-19 website (covid19.sccgov.org); and (3) provided to any member of the public requesting a copy of this Order.
- Severability. If any provision of this Order or its application to any person or circumstance is held to be invalid, the remainder of the Order, including the application of such part or provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected and shall continue in full force and effect. To this end, the provisions of this Order are severable.