Mask mandate: New LA County health order requires face coverings indoors as COVID cases spike

LOS ANGELES -- Citing continued increases in transmission of COVID-19, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is re-implementing a mandate requiring residents to wear masks while indoors, regardless of their vaccination status.

The county previously only recommended mask-wearing indoors. The new mandate will take effect at 11:59 p.m. Saturday night, officials announced Thursday.

Some exceptions will apply, health officials said, similar to masking requirements that were in place before June 15.

RELATED | Unvaccinated account for all COVID hospitalizations in LA County

Los Angeles County official Dr. Christina Ghaly says unvaccinated people now account for all COVID-19 hospitalizations at county-run hospitals.

DEVELOPING: More details will be added to this report as they become available.