California expands Covid restrictions as Delta variant threat grows

Infections and hospitalizations are rising in the state as health officials fear not enough people are vaccinated

California's public health agency this week recommended that people wear masks indoors regardless of their vaccination status, one of several steps taken across the state as part of an urgent effort to curb the rise of coronavirus infections.

The Delta variant has caused a sharp increase in hospitalizations and case rates across the state. We are recommending masking in indoor public places to slow the spread while we continue efforts to get more Californians vaccinated," said Dr Tomas J Aragon, the state's public health officer, in a statement on Wednesday.