To ensure we are equipping our readers with all the information they need, we will continue to report on all travel, safety, and COVID-related news that could impact a Disney Parks visit.

Over the past year, we’ve kept track of all of the latest COVID-19 news to help you best plan for your upcoming trips.

The situation with the pandemic continues to change and develop. Recently, we’ve shared updates about the COVID-19 Omicron variant, how that variant has impacted travel restrictions, and more. Now, we have an important COVID-19 update for those heading to California soon.

According to Deadline, California state officials have announced that they will be instituting a “universal indoor mask mandate, effective Wednesday, December 15.” The mask mandate will last through January 15th, 2022.

Dr. Mark Ghaly, the state’s director of health and human services, said that they will be requiring “universal masking in indoor settings statewide.”

California will also be tightening certain restrictions for those who are unvaccinated and go to indoor “mega-events” where there are 1,000 people or more. The new requirements will mandate that these individuals receive a negative COVID-19 test within 1 day of the event (if a rapid antigen test) or within 2 days (if a PCR test).

California is also recommending (but not requiring) that those who travel to the state or return to the state after traveling get tested for COVID-19 within 3 to 5 days.

The indoor mask mandate in California will extend to places like movie theaters, retail stores, restaurants, government offices that serve the public, and more. Dr. Ghaly noted that California has seen a “47% rise in case rates since Thanksgiving,” and that local hospitals are “seeing patient levels ‘significantly above their baseline for this time of year.’”

Dr. Ghaly indicated, “Frankly with Delta and Omicron and the more rapid replication, we are seeing people who — if they do become severely sick — they are becoming sicker sooner. So we don’t have nearly as much room…as we did last year to make adjustments.”

While the Delta variant is still the predominant variant, at least 13 cases of the Omicron variant have been identified in California.

Note that in Disneyland, masks are already required in all indoor locations. Specifically, Disneyland’s website notes that “Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) in all indoor locations, regardless of vaccination status. This includes upon entering and throughout many attractions and in enclosed transportation vehicles, including shuttles and buses. Face coverings remain optional for Guests in outdoor common areas.”

We’ll keep an eye out for more updates about COVID-19 and how it could impact your future trips. Stay tuned for more news.

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The post NEWS: Indoor Face Mask Requirement to Take Effect Soon in California first appeared on the disney food blog.