Vaccination or frequent testing had been a requirement for workers in settings with a high-risk of viral transmission since last summer.

Last week, at least 65 students at Los Gatos High School tested positive for Covid. Nationwide, new Covid infections have increased substantially in the past month, with California adding more than 158,000 new cases during that time.

Airlines, airports and other transportation agencies, including BART and Caltrain. had followed suit in making masks optional.

The county's seven-day average of new Covid cases has held below 550 for six consecutive days. 

Local jurisdictions are free to impose their own requirements, but all students and staff, regardless of vaccination status, will no longer be required by California to wear a mask indoors at schools and child care facilities starting March 12. 

Superior Court Judge Christopher Rudy is allowing Santa Clara County's lawsuit against Calvary Chapel San Jose to continue. The county wants to collect $2.8 mllion in fines for violating county health orders prohibiting indoor gatherings and requiring people to wear masks.

Public Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody said state indoor masking requirements would still apply for unvaccinated individuals and in schools and other settings regardless of vaccination status.

A top state health official provided little new information on Monday about lifting mask mandates in schools, as public health experts say it might be time to take more steps towards normalcy in schools.

Public health officials announce local indoor masking requirements will remain in place, despite the state's announcement lifting some mask rules Feb. 16.

Masks must be worn in all indoor public places in the state regardless of vaccine status, the state Department of Public Health said in a Jan. 5 evening post on Twitter.

Monthly poll panelists believe that mandatory lockdowns aren't necessary because of widespread availability of vaccines, and roughly half believe that Sheriff Laurie Smith should resign or serve out the balance of her term and not seek re-election.

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With case rates increasing 47% since Thanksgiving, the California Department of Public Health will require universal masking to increase protection to individuals, families, and communities during the holidays.

The governor cited a possible surge in COVID cases and short-staffed hospitals, as some pockets of resistance to mandates grow.

In a statement, the airline said: “We received reports last month about the off-duty disagreement between crew members on an overnight trip."

Mayor Sam Liccardo said the mandate will reduce risk of “super spreader” events at major city venues.