After the rate of COVID-19 cases has decreased by 65 percent in California since the Omicron peak and hospitalizations have stabilized statewide, the mandatory indoor facemask mandate will end this coming February 15.
This was announced by Governor Gavin Newsom, who specified that this new action only applies to those who are fully vaccinated, so that those who have not yet been immunized should continue with the measure.
The official pointed out that it is a good time for those who have not been vaccinated to do so, and for those who have already received the necessary doses to get a booster.
San Mateo County has done a good job of vaccinating its eligible population, as of Sunday, February 6, 631,220 residents have been fully vaccinated, or 81.4 percent of the total.
So far, 84 people are hospitalized for COVID-19, 82 of them confirmed SARS-CoV-2, and two suspected carriers.
Data show that hospitalizations are on the decline in the county, with 131 cases requiring hospitalization as of February 1, 24 of them in intensive care.
Although the figures show a downward trend, we should not let our guard down, so we should still wait until the state and county health authorities indicate that actions such as the use of masks indoors are no longer necessary.
"We continue to urge vaccination now, as it remains vitally important. And as we expect lower levels of virus transmission in the coming weeks, we are not there yet, so we remind everyone to continue to wear a protective mask that fits well and is worn consistently, seek testing if symptoms arise, and isolate yourself if you are sick," said Louise Rogers, San Mateo County Chief Health Officer.
Notably, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology company BioNTech, announced today that following a request from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they initiated an ongoing submission to modify their COVID-19 Emergency Use Authorization to include children 6 months to 4 years of age. (FDA), initiated an ongoing submission to modify the Emergency Use Authorization for its COVID-19 vaccine to include children 6 months to 4 years of age.
The companies expect to complete the emergency use authorization submission in the next few days.
This request is for authorization of the first two 3-microgram doses of a planned three-dose primary series in this age group.
Data on a third dose administered at least 8 weeks after completion of the second dose are expected in the coming months and will be submitted to the FDA to support possible expansion.
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