On March 4, 2022, Los Angeles County’s revised Public Health Order (the “Order”) went into effect, significantly relaxing masking rules and indoor proof-of-vaccine requirements.  As of March 3, 2022, Los Angeles County’s case and test positivity rates and hospitalizations had declined to a “Low” level, which prompted the change. 

Masks are strongly recommended, but no longer required in indoor public settings and businesses.  Masks continue to be required in transportation hubs, all healthcare settings, including long term care and adult and senior care facilities, correctional facilities and detention centers, homeless shelters, and emergency shelters.  Additionally, after March 11, the universal masking requirement for K-12 schools and childcare settings will terminate.

Pre-entry vaccination verification or recent negative test are no longer required for bars, breweries, wineries, distilleries, nightclubs, lounges, and outdoor mega events with over 1,000 people.  The County still strongly recommends continuing these requirements, but no longer requires them. However, indoor mega events with over 1,000 people must continue to require pre-entry vaccination verification or proof of a recent negative test.

Businesses may choose to retain their mask requirements and pre-entry vaccine requirements for customers and employees if they choose to do so.  Additionally, the Order makes clear that “no person can be prevented from wearing a mask as a condition of participating in an activity or entry into a business.”

Local government entities and businesses may continue to impose additional and more protective requirements, so the City of Los Angeles SafePassLA program and West Hollywood’s emergency executive order requiring vaccine verification will remain in effect until modified by those cities.