California mask requirements dramatically eased
Some Imperial County businesses not requiring masks - News 11's Wiley Jawhary reports
IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - Starting on June 15, California is dramatically easing on COVID-19 restrictions for anyone who is fully vaccinated. This includes removing the mask mandate and giving that option to businesses and restaurants.
In the Imperial Valley, Public Health Director Janette Angulo says that per state guidelines, businesses should be asking for vaccination verification
"So within the state documents there is a requirement for business to verify whether or not someone is vaccinated," she said.
For those who are not vaccinated, masks are still required in most settings:
Angulo says that businesses have options, if businesses do not want to ask for proof, they can ask you if you've been vaccinated and take your word for it.
Some Local businesses in the imperial valley however are not asking for proof. Starbucks employees say they wont be asking customers for vaccination cards.
Planet Fitness tells us masks are no longer mandatory for anyone vaccinated and they are not asking for any kind of verification.
“As far as asking proof, we won’t do that that is in direct violation of individual civil rights and liberties, basically if a member is not wearing a mask it is just attesting to the fact they have been vaccinated so we are taking their word for it," said Brayan Campos Regional Manager of Imperial's Planet Fitness.
As for employees, the Division of Occupational Safety and Health still requires them to wear a mask while in the workplace, vaccinated or not.
Angulo adds that it is important that members of the public continue to do their parts to ensure that progress continues. This includes, wearing a mask to be safe, getting vaccinated, and getting tested if you are sick.
Meanwhile other businesses around the valley also tell me that they feel uncomfortable asking for that verification the public health department still urges everyone to do their part and continue wearing a mask when needed along with getting tested if you have any symptoms.
