Pasadena Public Health Officer Updates Health Orders to “Strongly Recommend” Indoor Masking

Pasadena Public Health Department health officer orders were escalated Thursday to “strongly recommend” masking for everyone ages 2 years and older, regardless of vaccination status, in indoor public spaces, indoor workplaces, and on public transit. Indoor masking continues to be required in all healthcare settings.

In addition to escalating the indoor masking recommendation, the revised health officer orders establish threshold criteria that would lead to mandatory masking in Pasadena.

A City statement on Friday said local hospitals and healthcare facilities are significantly strained. “Managing high levels of COVID-19 cases is an ongoing challenge for the healthcare system and limits resources available for helping those in need of treatment,” according to the statement.

“We are seeing increases in COVID-19 cases and local hospitalizations and unseasonably elevated levels of influenza infections that put our local residents at increased risk for severe illness and death,” said Pasadena Health Officer Dr. Eric G. Handler.

The revised order refers to Los Angeles County’s “High Transmission” level as being an influencing factor.

“In Los Angeles County where a large proportion of the people who work, visit, or patronize businesses in Pasadena reside, the rate of COVID-19 cases has remained in the “High Transmission” level as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), contributing to risk of transmission in this City,” the health order says.

Pasadena Public Health Dept. statistics show the 7-day average of COVID-19 cases fell as of Thursday to 31.7 new daily cases, down from a 7-day average of 43.6 new daily new cases on Dec. 1. However, December as a whole has seen an increase in COVID cases in Pasadena.

As of Dec. 12, Huntington Hospital reported 39 COVID-infected patients, of whom 64% were vaccinated. The hospital reported 6 in intensive care, of whom 67% were unvaccinated.

“With increased travel and large gatherings, masking and staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones. These basic precautions can help prevent increases in COVID-19 cases and avoid the need for mandatory masking in indoor workplaces, public settings, and public transit,” says Manuel Carmona, interim public health director

The updated health orders establish threshold metrics, including COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and staffed inpatient hospital beds, to determine when mandatory masking indoors will be required.

The City said the Pasadena Public Health Department urges everyone to take precautions to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases including:

• Wearing a well-fitting respirator or mask (e.g., N95, KN95, KF94)

• Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccination, including all primary series doses and boosters, and getting a flu vaccine

• Staying home when sick and following recommended practices if exposed to COVID-19, including seeking treatment

• Testing if you are sick or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19

• Washing hands regularly

“Everyone should wear a mask now to ensure they can enjoy the holidays with their families later,” said Dr. Handler.