Vaccine and Mask Mandate Issued in California County

‘In a sense, we’re going back to the pre-COVID days,’ says San Luis Obispo County’s chief health officer Dr. Penny Borenstein.

A health care professional prepares to enter a COVID-19 patient's room in a file photo. Megan Jelinger/AFP via Getty Images

A county in California issued a mask and vaccine mandate several days ago, forcing all health care workers to get yearly vaccines or wear a mask at work.

San Luis Obispo County’s chief health officer, Dr. Penny Borenstein, told local news outlet KSBY-TV that the mandate will go into effect starting Nov. 1 and will end April 30, 2024. The rule, which the official described as routine, applies to all hospitals, long-term care facilities, physician offices, and emergency medical service providers.