Santa Clara County public health officials announced Monday workers who are fully vaccinated no longer need to wear a mask.
“The evidence is increasingly clear that getting fully vaccinated is the best thing you can do to keep yourself, your family, and our community safe from COVID-19,” said Dr. Sara Cody.
In addition, the county phased out the May 18, 2021 local health order which entails all businesses having to determine the vaccination status of their employees.
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In Campbell, some business owners at the Pruneyard Shopping Center told NBC Bay Area this is the announcement they've been waiting for.
At Luna's Mexican Kitchen restaurant, most people weren't wearing a mask. Others were, and said they are not entirely clear on the rules.
"Moving forward, we’re just going to be cautious and still take baby steps," said restaurant owner Jo Lopez.
"It helps tremendously that we’re all on the same page," Lopez said. "Here’s direct messaging where we know exactly and precisely what the instructions are, that we’re able to take off our masks.”
Dr. Cody recommended actively taking measures to keep the community safe from the virus by getting vaccinated, continuing activities outdoors, avoiding travel if not fully vaccinated and getting tested for COVID-19 if experiencing any symptoms.
“We are pleased that the County’s proactive vaccine ascertainment effort now allows employers in our community the ability to legally implement the new Cal/OSHA regulations,” said James R. Williams, County Counsel for the County of Santa Clara. “With today’s announcement, once an entity has completed its second ascertainment of vaccination status, everyone should continue to follow the State’s rules, but there are no broader local health orders in effect in Santa Clara County.”
In California, face coverings are still required in health care settings, schools, public transit, jails and correctional facilities and homeless and emergency shelters.
