[Asia Economy Reporter Byunghee Park] As COVID-19 resurges in the United States, California has reintroduced indoor mask mandates following New York State.
California's Secretary of Health and Human Services, Mark Ghaly, announced on the 13th that starting from the 15th of this month until January 15th of next year, everyone will be required to wear masks in public indoor spaces, CNN reported.
Earlier, New York State ordered on the 10th that masks must be worn in all indoor spaces used by the public. Violators may face fines up to $1,000 (approximately 1.18 million KRW).
Under this measure, the mask mandate will also apply to counties in California that have not independently enforced indoor mask requirements. Secretary Ghaly stated this affects half of the state's population.
Regions such as Silicon Valley, Los Angeles (LA), Ventura, and Yolo County have already independently mandated mask-wearing.
Secretary Ghaly said, "Even a 10% increase in indoor mask-wearing can significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19."
Additionally, attendees of large events with over 1,000 participants, such as music festivals and sports games, must present proof of vaccination or, if unable, submit a COVID-19 test result taken within one day of the event.
Visitors to California and residents returning from other states are advised to get tested within 3 to 5 days of arrival.
Secretary Ghaly stated that since Thanksgiving (November 25) last month, new COVID-19 cases in California have increased by 47%.
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