Marin County on Monday becomes the first in the Bay Area to drop the broad indoor mask mandate that went back into effect across the region in early August, as case rates drop and the county's vaccination rate outpaces other counties. Also on Monday, November 1, Alameda and Contra Costa counties dropped their indoor mask rule for gyms, offices, and small religious gatherings — similar to the amended mask order that San Francisco issued two weeks ago. All counties will continue to require masks, under state law, in schools, healthcare settings, nursing homes, and on public transit. The best estimate is that most of the Bay Area will qualify to drop mask rules in bars and restaurants by January, unless we face another winter surge. Starting today, vaccinated restaurant-goers and staffers will no longer need to be masked across Marin County, though individual business owners may still keep their own rules in place.

Source: New York Times November 02, 2021 00:46 UTC