A crowd of people, some wearing face masks, walk through the streets of Solvang, California. Photo: George Rose/Getty Images
Los Angeles County will again require residents to wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination statues starting this Sunday because of recent increases in new coronavirus cases and rising concerns over the Delta variant of the virus.
Why it matters: The latest order in the most populous county in the United States comes after it reported 1,537 new COVID cases, an 83% increase over the last week.
What they're saying: Though the county will allow some exceptions to the order, the masking requirements will be similar to what they were before California officially reopened in June, Muntu Davis, the county's health officer, said Thursday, according to the Los Angeles Times.
- "We’re not where we need to be for the millions at risk of infection here in Los Angeles County, and waiting to do something will be too late given what we’re seeing now," Davis said.
Zoom out: Local health officials in Sacramento and Yolo counties also called for residents to wear masks indoors, though neither are mandatory.
What to watch: Davis expects the latest order to remain "in place until we begin to see improvements” in community transmission," according to the Times.
- "Anything is on the table if things continue to get worse, which is why we want to take action now," Davis added.
- He said further restrictions could be implemented if conditions worsen.
Editor's note: This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.