Time to show that smile again — if you’re ready, of course. San Diego is following the California Department of Public Health’s guidelines and removing the indoor mask mandate for vaccinated people starting Wed., Feb. 16, with one major exception: schools.

We know there have been a lot of changes during the pandemic, so let's clarify what this means for San Diegans. While COVID-19 cases have declined locally, it's the statewide case count that determines change in policy. Gov. Gavin Newsom based this decision on a 65% decline in cases in California as a whole since the Omicron variant peaked.

What exactly changes?

If you’re fully vaccinated (meaning, you’ve received your primary series of vaccinations — per the CDC), you do not need to wear a mask indoors. Unvaccinated individuals are still required to wear a mask inside.

K-12 schools are saying masks on, following state guidance for now, but the San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted to safely phase-out the mandate in schools. According to Chairman Nathan Fletcher, this process will begin when deemed safe, now that vaccines are approved for children.

Local universities have more autonomy — UC San Diego still requires individuals to wear masks indoors indefinitely, as will the University of San Diego which has also implemented random testing. Meanwhile, SDSU requires indoor masking until Mon., Feb. 28.

Once again, “mega events” have been redefined. Indoor venues, like Pechanga Arena or The Observatory, require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test with crowds over 1,000 — an increase from 500+. Outdoor events, like those at Petco Park, have doubled to allow 10,000+ individuals with no vaccine or testing documentation required.

Visiting a hospital or nursing homes? As of Feb. 8, you will no longer need to show a negative test, which many locals have struggled to find.

Don’t toss your masks out just yet though. Each county is subject to different guidance — San Diego could change independently of the state, if needed — and if you’re heading to Los Angeles, the mandate is still in effect.

San Diego continues to offer resources to locals like free testing sites + free N95 masks at drug stores (when they’re in stock). We all know, regulations can change. The county + the state are keeping residents up to date with resources, news, and case numbers.