Indoor Mask Mandate Returns to Santa Barbara County

Beginning Friday, August 6, Santa Barbara County Public Health is mandating the use of universal face coverings indoors, regardless of vaccination status. Public Health is closely monitoring case rates, and will be releasing a universal mandatory mask mandate in indoor settings only.  Santa Barbara County Public Health will issue a Health Office Order on Wednesday, August 4, to become effective Friday, August 6 at 5:00 P.M., and it will be available at https://publichealthsbc.org/. In all indoor Santa Barbara County businesses, masks will be required regardless of vaccination status. Updated signage for businesses will be posted later this week at recoverysbc.org

In addition, the State of California released an additional Health Officer Order on masking and testing for unvaccinated individuals in particular settings.

The updated State guidance includes: 

  • Recommendation for universal masking indoors Statewide
  • Adds Adult and Senior Care Facilities to settings where all individuals must wear masks indoors
  • References new requirements for unvaccinated workers in the State Health Officer July 26 Order

Visit https://publichealthsbc.org/ for more information.