As concerns over the Omicron subvariant BA.2 continued to rise, California health officials on April 20, 2022, updated their COVID-19 guidelines in response to increased case numbers across the state. The update came after several weeks of fluctuating case counts and reports of a growing presence of the highly transmissible subvariant, which had already caused surges in other parts of the world.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, along with state health officials, announced that the state would continue to monitor case trends and adjust public health measures accordingly, including recommending mask use in indoor public spaces. While California had loosened restrictions earlier in the year as case numbers had dropped, the rapid spread of the BA.2 subvariant prompted the state to revise its guidance.
Dr. Tomás Aragón, the Director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), addressed the rising concerns during a press briefing. He noted that while the variant appeared to be less severe in terms of hospitalization rates compared to previous strains, its high transmissibility presented a challenge in keeping case numbers under control. “As we have seen globally, BA.2 has been much more transmissible, and we must remain cautious,” said Dr. Aragón. “We’re advising mask use in indoor public settings, especially in counties with elevated transmission rates.”
Throughout the spring of 2022, several counties across California, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Alameda, had seen an uptick in COVID-19 cases. In response to this, the California Department of Public Health reinforced its recommendation for mask-wearing in indoor public spaces, aligning with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health authorities.
Although hospitalizations were lower compared to previous waves, the increase in cases led health experts to urge continued vigilance. Dr. George Rutherford, an epidemiologist and professor at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), pointed out that the virus had not disappeared and that the risk of another surge still loomed. “We’re in a much better position than we were during previous surges, thanks to widespread vaccination and better treatments. However, the pandemic is not over, and it’s important to remain cautious,” Rutherford explained.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed echoed this sentiment in a statement, encouraging residents to follow the updated guidelines, particularly in light of the uptick in cases. “The safety of our community is our top priority, and we urge everyone to take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their loved ones,” said Mayor Breed. “We’ve made significant progress, but we must remain diligent.”
California’s decision to adjust its COVID-19 guidance came as public health experts continued to monitor the broader impact of the BA.2 subvariant across the United States. At the time, health officials noted that the variant accounted for an increasing share of new infections in the country, leading to the decision to maintain certain protective measures.
State officials also emphasized the continued importance of vaccination, including booster shots, as the best defense against severe illness from COVID-19. The rollout of boosters in California had been a key part of the state’s strategy to prevent the spread of the virus, and health officials continued to urge residents, particularly those in vulnerable populations, to stay up-to-date with their vaccinations.
As of mid-April, California had not reintroduced widespread restrictions, but local mandates remained in place in certain counties, with mask-wearing rules varying by locality. The state was focusing on a targeted approach, hoping to balance public health with economic recovery, as many areas had begun to resume more normal activities following earlier surges in the pandemic.
With the situation still evolving, health experts remained cautious but optimistic. “We’ve learned a lot over the past two years, and we’re in a much better position,” Dr. Aragón said. “But this virus continues to evolve, and we must remain adaptable in our response.”
