On Monday, California officials unexpectedly announced that the state is enacting a universal indoor mask injunction, effective on Wednesday, December 15. The current injunction will last until January 15, 2022.

"We will require masks to be worn in indoor environments across the state," said Dr. Mark Gurry, director of state health and human services, noting that the order will cover approximately 50% of California's population that is currently not authorized by this.

"We know people are tired and hungry about normal conditions. Frankly speaking, so do I," Gary admitted today. "In other words, this is a critical moment. We have a tool that we know is effective. We are actively applying this universal indoor shading tool to public places to ensure that we have a time full of joy and hope. There will be no deeper worries and despair."

Related story Omicron first discovered a suspected case of community transmission in Los Angeles; several others to be verified-update

The state will also tighten restrictions on unvaccinated people participating in indoor "mass events" with 1,000 people or more, requiring them to undergo rapid antigen testing within one day after the event or a negative PCR test within two days. Current rules require testing within 72 hours of the incident.

The state also recommends but does not require people who travel to California or return to the state after travel to be tested for Covid within three to five days.

Current state guidelines-followed by many counties including Riverside, Orange, and San Diego-stipulate that masks are only required to be worn indoors in public transportation facilities, such as airports, medical institutions, adult and elderly care facilities, Schools, correctional institutions, homeless shelters, emergency shelters and cooling centers. The new order extends the requirements of these counties to movie theaters, retail stores, restaurants, family entertainment centers, and government offices that serve the public.

Los Angeles County already has regulations for wearing masks in indoor public facilities.

The state currently requires people who have not been vaccinated in indoor public facilities to wear masks, but the new regulations will apply to everyone, regardless of the vaccine status.

Gary pointed out in a hurried conference call with reporters that since Thanksgiving, the state's case rate has risen by 47%, from 9.6 cases per 100,000 to 14 cases per 100,000. He also reported that the patient level at the local hospital was "significantly higher than the baseline at this time of the year."

He continued: "We know that we are entering a very difficult period, and we are staring at certain communities to see some of these numbers appear soon... [masking] is a matter of common sense."

He said the infection did not spread evenly across the state. "Some counties are far above our average (just in case)." Ghaly said this could mean "severe challenges" for these communities. Many of these communities are also among the least vaccinated.

He pointed out that Riverside and San Bernardino counties, Inyo counties and Mono counties, as well as the Central Valley and the northernmost areas of the state, such as Humboldt, Del Norte, and Mendocino, are experiencing an increasing number of infections.

Last winter, between November 2020 and February 2021, approximately 28,000 people in the state died from the new crown virus. The HHS director stated that officials hope to avoid a repeat of this tragedy.

"Frankly, with Delta and Omicron and faster replication, we see that people-if they really get sick-they will get sick faster. Therefore, we hardly have as much room as last year to make adjustments. ."

Although Delta Air Lines still dominates, the state has identified 13 instances of Omicron variants, some of which appear to have been spread through the community—not those who were infected abroad before traveling.

The California order was announced on the same day that the New York State Indoor Public Mask Mandatory came into effect. According to NBC reports, Washington, Oregon, Illinois, New Mexico, Nevada and Hawaii have issued similar orders.

When asked if this measure is the first step to increase restrictions, Gali said: "Absolutely not.

When asked about implementing the order statewide, California's top health officials admitted that certain locations will comply with the order more strictly than others. However, he emphasized, "We hope that Californians will heed the warning and wear masks."

The City News Agency contributed to this report.

Subscribe to breaking news alerts on deadlines to keep your inbox happy.

New and returning broadcast, cable and streaming series

Series with or without success in 2020-21

Broadcasting network's fall lineup and schedule

Sign up for breaking news and newsletters

Get our latest story in the feed of your favorite network

We hope to hear from you! Use our anonymous form to send us tips.

Sign up for our breaking news alerts

Deadline is part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2021 Hollywood Deadline LLC. all rights reserved.