Los Angeles County is easing some COVID-19 guidelines as emergency declarations related to the pandemic are set to come to an end at the end of the month.
The county will drop its 10-day close contact mask mandate for individuals who have been exposed to a person with a confirmed case of COVID-19.
While public health officials strongly recommend wearing masks, it will no longer be required in indoor settings where those who are at high risk for severe illness are present.
This change is particularly significant for schools, where kids have been required to wear masks for 10 days after exposure to the virus.
The decision to continue wearing masks will now be up to parents.
In addition, infected individuals who show mild symptoms and have no fever for at least 24 hours will be able to leave isolation without a negative COVID-19 test on the fifth day, down from the previous requirement for a negative test.
The changes will come into effect on Monday, April 3rd, and will be reassessed in six months.
Health care workers will still be required to wear masks and receive vaccinations at medical facilities.
