Los Angeles County Revised Health Order Eases Most COVID-19 Restrictions, Reinstates Masking Requirements

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s Revised Health Officer Order Eases Most COVID-19 Restrictions, While Reinstating Previous Masking Requirements

On June 15, 2021, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (“DPH”) issued a revised Order of the Health Officer (the “June 2021 Order”) that eased most of the restrictions put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The June 2021 Order, which was slightly modified on June 28, 2021, is available here. Of note, the June 2021 Order (1) required unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals to wear a mask in indoor public settings and businesses; (2) required all persons, even fully vaccinated individuals, to wear a mask on public transit and certain other higher-risk places (e.g., hospitals and other healthcare settings); and (3) granted discretion to businesses to require masks regardless of vaccination status.

The June 2021 Order was superseded, however, in part by the DPH’s July 16, 2021 Order (the “July 2021 Order”), which reverted requirements relating to masking at the workplace. More specifically, due to an uptick in COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles County, the DPH ordered most recently that face masks be worn by all persons, regardless of vaccination status, while in indoor public settings and businesses. This latest July 2021 Order, therefore, eliminated any discretion that had been previously afforded businesses to ease masking requirements for those who are fully vaccinated.

To access up-to-date federal, state, county and city orders, and guidance relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, along with entertainment production-specific protocols, please visit EP’s COVID-19 Reopening Tracker.