Masks will continue to be required inside K-12 schools, childcare facilities after state reopens

Though most Covid-19 restrictions will drop after June 15, when California officially reopens, individuals will still be required to wear masks inside K-12 schools, childcare facilities and other youth settings regardless of whether or not they are vaccinated.

That’s according to guidance on the use of face coverings released Wednesday by the California Department of Public Health. The guidance states masks are not required for fully vaccinated individuals after June 15, when the state drops its color-coded reopening tier system, but lists five exceptions: public transit, K-12 schools and childcare, healthcare settings, correctional facilities and detention centers, and homeless or emergency shelters.

The guidance document released Wednesday states that the rules could change for K-12 schools, since the state’s updated operating guidance for schools is “forthcoming.” That will follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s updated operational guidance for K-12 schools.