Orders & Guidance
Health officer orders have changed throughout the pandemic based on the level of transmission in our communities. See the latest orders currently in effect, as well as the latest guidance and best practices for staying safe.
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Health Officer Orders
Guidance has changed throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. See the latest local and state health officer orders below.
Current Local Orders
Current State Orders
- *new* State Public Health Officer Order of December 31, 2021: Requirements for Visitors in Acute Health Care and Long-Term Care Settings
- *updated* State Public Health Officer Order of December 31, 2021: Beyond the Blueprint for Industry and Business Sectors (Including Mega Events)
- *new* State Public Health Officer Order of December 30, 2021: Guidance for use of Over-the-counter tests for Local Health Jurisdictions
- *new* State Public Health Officer Order of December 22, 2021: Health Care Worker Vaccine Requirement
- *new* State Public Health Officer Order of December 22, 2021: State and Local Correctional Facilities and Detention Centers Health Care Worker Vaccination Requirement
- *updated*State Public Health Officer Order of December 22, 2021: Adult Care Facilities and Direct Care Worker Vaccine Requirement
- *new* State Public Health Officer Order of December 22, 2021: Adult Care Facilities and Direct Care Worker Vaccine Requirement
- *new* State requirement for universal masking indoors statewide December 15, 2021, through January 15, 2022
- Clarification Memo, August 23, 2021: Requirement for Universal Masking Indoors at K-12 Schools
- State Public Health Officer Order of August 11, 2021: Vaccine Verification for Workers in Schools
- State Public Health Officer Order of August 5, 2021: Health Care Worker Vaccine Requirement
- State Public Health Officer Order of August 5, 2021: Requirements for Visitors in Acute Health Care Settings
- State Public Health Officer Order of July 26, 2021: Health Care Worker Protections in High-Risk Settings
State Orders by Topic
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Guidance and Best Practices
Guidance has changed throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. See current guidance and best practices below.
Overview of Current Restrictions
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- Face masks: Face masks are required in all indoor public places, regardless of vaccine status.
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- Capacity limits: Capacity limits in place for mega events.
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- Physical distancing: No current restrictions.
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Additional restrictions and required precautions may apply to specific industries and settings, including health care, congregate care, correctional, and youth settings (including schools and childcare). See more here.
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State Guidance
See all state guidance by topic area.
See State Guidance
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Local Guidance and Best Practices
These documents summarize some of the requirements and best practices for youth sports, performing arts, childcare and large events.
See SLO County Best Practices Documents
For additional information, see CDC Recommendations for Safer Activities.
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Face Masks
On September 1, 2021, the County of San Luis Obispo Health Officer issued a Health Officer Order requiring face masks in all indoor public places. The mandate applies to all people, both unvaccinated and vaccinated. Read the full update here.
Report a concern Get a face mask sign
In addition, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) updated its Guidance for Face Coverings (issued December 13, 2021) which recommends face masks in indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status. Read the full text here.
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Mega Event Guidance
Mega Events are characterized by large crowds greater than 500 (indoors) and 5,000 (outdoors) attendees. Mega Events may have either assigned or unassigned seating, and may be either general admission or gated, ticketed and permitted events.
Prior to attending an event, attendees will need to provide proof of vaccination, a negative antigen COVID-19 test within one day of the event, or a negative PCR test within two days of the event.
See Mega Event Guidance