LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Los Angeles relaxed its indoor masking rules, effective immediately, to align with the county's new policy, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced today.
``This moment gives us a renewed sense of optimism about the direction of this pandemic,'' Garcetti said. ``We are able to take these steps today because of our collective determination and sacrifice, and we should take pride in that.''
Under the rules that were set by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, people vaccinated against COVID-19 can remove face coverings indoor at establishments that verify patrons' vaccination status.
The change took effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday, according to the Department of Public Health.
The new health order, however, will put the onus on businesses to ensure that all customers permitted indoors are either fully vaccinated or can provide proof of a recent negative COVID test.
Even after that verification, only fully vaccinated customers will be permitted to remove masks indoors. Unvaccinated customers must continue wearing masks indoors even after showing proof of a negative COVID test unless they are actively eating or drinking.
The same basic rules will apply to workers at indoor establishments.
In his announcement about the policy change for the city of Los Angeles, Garcetti cautioned people to continue to make safe choices.
``But we're not out of the woods, and we know that as the pandemic evolves, our collective fate will increasingly depend on our individual choices and actions. Now is the time to strengthen our resolve to protect the health and safety of everyone around us,'' Garcetti said.
More information is available at coronavirus.lacity.org.