WOODLAND, CA (MPG) – Based on improving COVID-19 metrics that indicate reduced coronavirus transmission, the Yolo County Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA) has moved Yolo County’s COVID-19 risk level to Low (green) and updated its masking advisory to Optional in most indoor public settings. Masks are still required for all persons over 2 years old in healthcare and long-term care settings.

The downgraded masking advisory aligns with masking recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) for areas with Low COVID-19 Community Level. The CDC considers Yolo County to be in the Low COVID-19 Community Level.

The COVID-19 pandemic is not over, and residents are encouraged to maintain protection through vaccination. While the current COVID-19 risk level is Low in Yolo County, the situation may change, especially if new variants emerge and become dominant. Last fall and winter, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations surged due to the Delta and Omicron variants. A surge this fall, and winter remains possible. Therefore, residents are strongly recommended to get vaccinated and stay up to date with vaccination against COVID-19. All persons 6 months and older are eligible for vaccination against COVID-19. Very young children and older adults are especially vulnerable to severe COVID-19 and can be protected by getting vaccinated themselves and by having their family members and other close contacts vaccinated.

Bivalent boosters are widely available at clinics and pharmacies in Yolo County. These boosters provide expanded protection against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including the currently dominant Omicron variants. Everybody 12 years old and older who is already vaccinated is recommended to receive a single dose of a bivalent booster if at least 2 months have passed since their last dose of a COVID vaccine.

Along with the potential for rising COVID-19 cases this fall and winter comes the likelihood of a significant flu season. In a typical flu season, 12,000 to 52,000 Americans die from influenza. Residents can protect themselves against influenza infection, severe disease, hospitalization, and death by getting a flu vaccine every fall. Flu vaccines are widely available now through healthcare providers and pharmacies in Yolo County and are recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. Adults 65 and older are advised to receive a high-dose or adjuvanted flu shot when available, but can receive the standard dose when high-dose formulations are not available. .

The COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine can be administered at the same time, typically at different sites.

“I am pleased to report that the COVID situation has improved enough to make masks optional in most indoor settings,” said Yolo County Health Officer, Dr. Aimee Sisson. “However, we must remain vigilant against both COVID and influenza in the months ahead. Now is a great time to get your bivalent COVID booster and annual flu shot to protect yourself and your family this fall and winter.”

Businesses and organizations wanting to display information about the current COVID-19 risk level and masking guidance can download signs at www.yolocounty.org/masks.

For more information about COVID vaccinations in California, see CDPH’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program Info. Vaccine clinics for COVID-19 and flu can be found at www.myturn.ca.gov.

For more information about COVID-19 in Yolo County, visit www.yolocounty.org/covid.