SLO County community reacts to public health’s indoor mask recommendation

NIPOMO, Calif. – Business workers and neighbors in San Luis Obispo County are reacting to the public health department's new masking recommendation at indoor facilities. 

San Luis Obispo County leaders are highly recommending everyone wear a mask indoors, regardless of vaccination status.

The new guidance comes as COVID-19 cases spike from the Delta Variant.

Although this isn't a mask requirement, the new guidance is getting strong reaction.

Some that we spoke to said they are neutral about wearing masks indoors, while others said it should be a personal choice.

“I feel like it is getting way out of hand,” said Gene Richmond. “I feel like this Delta virus is just a watered down coronavirus. It’s going to go away, we are going to have to let it play out. They are making way too much of a deal out of it by all this talk on the news. Just let it play out.”

On the other hand, some believe the community needs to trust science.

“I have no objection to that, if we follow the science,” said local rancher Elizabeth Wineman. “Which is the best authority we have rather than something we imagine.”

Santa Barbara County already has a mask mandate in place for public indoor areas.

At this time, SLO County Public Health is only urging, not requiring, that rule.

Watch San Luis Obispo County's mask recommendation announcement below: