Mask Up, Irvine

Masks are once again required in city facilities as Irvine’s average COVID case rate of about four new cases per day has jumped to approximately 30 new cases per day. Photo credit Zach Vessels

On Friday, July 30th, Irvine announced that masks are once again required inside city facilities for everyone, regardless of vaccination status. Additionally, city employees will be required to get vaccinated or be tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis, starting next month. Due to a significant increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, the city feels these steps must be taken to further protect the health and well-being of employees and the community.

Throughout the pandemic, Irvine has consistently maintained a lower per capita case rate than many other cities, due in large part to the diligent efforts of community members and employees to get vaccinated, wear masks, and follow other health guidelines.

Unfortunately, Irvine has experienced a substantial increase in cases, along with the majority of cities in the US, since California reopened June 15th. Our city’s average of about four new cases per day has jumped to approximately 30 new cases per day. Irvine officials hope the new measures will slow the spread of the disease, especially its more contagious Delta variant.

“I am grateful to our City staff for their ongoing efforts to combat COVID-19, and I want to thank the 75% of employees who have already been vaccinated,” says Mayor Farrah N. Khan. “The additional measures we are implementing, based on recent data, will further protect the health and well-being of our employees and everyone in our community.”

City officials are also encouraging the community to follow the latest recommendations from the CDC and the California Department of Public Health. Those recommendations include wearing a mask in all indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status.

In addition, Irvine officials are urging everyone to get vaccinated. Vaccines are our most important tool in stopping transmission, preventing new variants, and saving lives. More than 13,400 vaccinations have been provided through city partnerships with local health care providers, and neighborhood vaccination clinics continue to be offered throughout Irvine.

A comprehensive map of Irvine locations offering vaccinations is available here. The official executive order can be read here.