Ruth Haines
California's airports reopened on June 15, 2021, when the state lifted most COVID-19 restrictions, including capacity limits, physical distancing requirements, and mask mandates for vaccinated people. However, masks were still required for unvaccinated individuals in airports and on public transportation, including planes, buses, and trains. The reopening was celebrated by Governor Gavin Newsom, who highlighted the over 40 million vaccine doses administered and the resulting decrease in COVID-19 cases.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reopening Date | June 15, 2021 |
| Status | Fully reopened |
| Capacity Limits | Removed |
| Physical Distancing | Removed |
| Mask Mandate | Removed for fully vaccinated individuals |
| Mask Mandate for Unvaccinated Individuals | Required |
| Vaccine Rate | 51-55% fully vaccinated |
| Case Rate | One of the lowest in the country |
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What You'll Learn
California's full economic reopening
California fully reopened its economy on June 15, 2021, marking an important step towards post-pandemic normality. This reopening came as a result of the state's successful vaccination program, with over 51% of Californians fully vaccinated and about 70% of residents receiving at least one dose of the vaccine. The state also witnessed a dramatic drop in COVID-19 cases, with one of the lowest rates of infection in the country, below 1%.
The full reopening of California's economy meant the removal of most restrictions that had been in place for months. This included the elimination of capacity limits, physical distancing requirements, and mask mandates for fully vaccinated individuals in most indoor and outdoor settings. Businesses such as restaurants, bars, retail stores, theaters, amusement parks, places of worship, hotels, and entertainment centers were allowed to resume normal operations. However, some restrictions remained in certain areas, such as the Bay Area, where masks and social distancing guidelines were still encouraged.
The reopening of California's economy brought a sense of anticipation and excitement, especially after the state was the first to shut down during the pandemic. It allowed people to return to pre-pandemic lifestyles, with many enjoying activities like strolling in public without masks and socializing freely. Disneyland, for example, welcomed non-California residents to its parks, and Dodger Stadium could once again host more than 50,000 fans per game.
However, the reopening did not mean a complete return to pre-pandemic normality. Unvaccinated individuals were still required to wear masks in most settings, and some businesses and institutions chose to maintain their own mask and social distancing guidelines. Additionally, proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test was required for indoor events with more than 5,000 attendees and recommended for outdoor events with over 10,000 attendees.
The full economic reopening in California was a gradual process, and while it signified a major step towards recovery, it also served as a reminder that the pandemic's impact would continue to be felt. The state's health officials and residents remained cautious, understanding that the situation was fluid and that the virus was still a threat. Despite these challenges, California's full economic reopening brought a sense of hope and a long-awaited return to a semblance of normalcy for many.
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Mask mandates
California's mask mandates have changed since the state's full reopening on June 15, 2021. The state lifted most of its COVID-19 restrictions, including mask mandates, as it moved towards a post-pandemic normal. However, some mask mandates remain in place in certain settings.
Fully vaccinated individuals are not required to wear masks in most indoor and outdoor settings in California. This includes places like gyms, hair and nail salons, family entertainment centres, retail stores, and most other settings. Additionally, private businesses can choose to continue requiring masks for their customers.
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals, on the other hand, are required to wear masks in most settings. The enforcement of this mandate is based on an honour system, and it is left to the discretion of individuals to follow this guideline.
There are also specific settings where masks are still required for everyone, regardless of vaccination status. These include public transportation, such as planes, buses, trains, airports, and transportation stations. Additionally, some institutions, like museums and galleries in San Francisco, have chosen to maintain their capacity limits and mask requirements for the time being.
It is important to note that the situation is fluid and evolving. While California has one of the lowest case rates in the country, the summer travel season may impact infection rates as people move in and out of the state. Therefore, while most mask mandates have been lifted, masks may still be necessary in certain circumstances for the foreseeable future.
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Social distancing
Since the beginning of the pandemic, airports in California have implemented various measures to protect the health and safety of travellers and employees. While California lifted its social distancing requirements on June 15, 2021, airports in the state continued to enforce social distancing and mask-wearing. For instance, John Wayne Airport had signage encouraging people to wear masks, maintain physical distance, and wash their hands, with floor markings indicating safe distances. Protective shields were also installed at TSA checkpoints and concessions, and regular cleaning and sanitization were carried out.
Sacramento International Airport improved ventilation by increasing the amount of fresh air circulating in its buildings from 10% to 100%. Los Angeles International Airport employed advanced ultraviolet light technology to enhance the cleaning of the air in terminals. These measures aimed to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission and make travellers and employees feel safer.
As of February 2023, masks are no longer required in California airports or on board aircraft, and non-U.S. citizens are not required to show proof of vaccination before boarding flights to the U.S. However, individual airports and airlines may have their own policies and recommendations regarding COVID-19 safety protocols. For example, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) recommends that travellers consult their healthcare providers and check their destinations' COVID-19 situations and travel restrictions before travelling.
While social distancing requirements may have eased in California airports, it is important to recognize that the pandemic has led to lasting changes in airport operations. The implementation of protective measures, improved ventilation, and enhanced cleaning protocols have become standard practices to ensure the safety and well-being of travellers and staff. These ongoing efforts reflect a commitment to creating a healthier and more reassuring environment for all who pass through California's airports.
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Vaccination rates
California reopened its economy on June 15, 2021, ending business capacity limits, most mask mandates, and social distancing requirements. However, the state encouraged its residents to get vaccinated to protect themselves as they resumed normal activities.
At the time of the reopening, California had relatively high vaccination rates, with about 55% of Californians fully vaccinated and another 11% having received at least one dose of a two-dose vaccine. The state also had one of the lowest case rates in the country, with 1.7 new cases per 100,000 residents as of June 8, 2021.
To further encourage vaccinations, California implemented several vaccine mandates for state workers, teachers, and indoor businesses in San Francisco. Additionally, Los Angeles students aged 12 and above were required to be vaccinated. These measures aimed to increase vaccination rates and protect residents as the state reopened.
In September 2021, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) became the first airport in the United States to mandate that all workers be vaccinated against COVID-19. This decision affected approximately 46,000 to 50,000 on-site personnel, including employees of contractors and retail tenants. Exempt employees or those with medical or religious exemptions were required to undergo weekly testing.
The SFO mandate was a significant step in California's efforts to increase vaccination rates and create a safe travel environment as the state prepared for the upcoming holiday season and the return of pre-pandemic passenger levels. Gov. Gavin Newsom stated that California was among the top 10 states in vaccination rates, and the SFO mandate was expected to encourage other airports nationwide to follow suit.
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Schools and universities
In July 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom announced strict guidelines for state public and private K-12 schools, making it difficult for them to reopen unless they qualified. In response, Pepperdine University announced that it would conduct its fall semester online. However, the university prepared reopening plans, including protocols for COVID-19 testing, treatment, cleaning, and campus operations, in case students were allowed back on campus.
Chancellor Timothy P. White announced in May 2020 that the California State University system would be primarily online, with courses delivered virtually in the fall of 2020, with few exceptions. The University of Southern California, UC Berkeley, and Pepperdine were among the schools that followed suit. However, some schools, like Stanford, planned to bring students and faculty back to campus.
In March 2025, the U.S. Department of Education announced that California was behind in returning to in-person instruction. The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the second-largest school district in the nation, reopened for in-person learning after facing lawsuits and criticism from parents for not reopening sooner. The University of California system also announced that it would no longer consider SAT or ACT scores in scholarship or admissions decisions.
In January 2022, California universities and colleges reopened amid high transmission rates across the state and hospitals reaching maximum capacity. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), with nearly 45,000 students, and Stanford, with nearly 700 infected students and faculty, led the charge. Over 2,000 UCLA students, faculty, and alumni signed a statement addressed to the University from the Disabled Student Union, demanding a remote learning option and calling for a mass sick-out and demonstration.
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Frequently asked questions
California fully reopened its economy on June 15, 2021, ending business capacity restrictions, most mask mandates and social-distancing requirements.
Fully vaccinated individuals were not required to wear face coverings in most indoor and outdoor settings. However, they were still required to wear a mask on planes, buses, trains, airports and transportation stations. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals were required to wear facial coverings outside of their homes.
Most businesses, including restaurants, bars, retail stores, theaters, amusement parks, places of worship, hotels and entertainment centers, were allowed to return to usual operations. However, some businesses, such as museums and galleries in San Francisco, chose to continue operating at reduced capacity and enforce mask requirements.
Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test was required for indoor events with more than 5,000 attendees and recommended for outdoor events with more than 10,000 attendees until October 1, 2021.
