Local businesses prepare for California’s mask mandate to be lifted Feb. 16

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. - Bertha Stears at Me and Ed’s Pizzeria is excited for the mask mandate to be lifted Wednesday.

"I can’t wait! For my customers and my staff, they hate it! It’s hard to breathe with them on," said Stears.

Her coworker, Hector Del Rio who works in the kitchen with a health condition, is also excited.

"It’s very frustrating especially because I have asthma," said Del Rio.

Starting Wednesday, Central Coast Health Departments will lift the indoor mask mandate for vaccinated residents.

Customers at Anthony’s Jewelers in Santa Maria say wearing a mask is nothing short of easy.

"It’s frustrating every time I’m told that I have to go into a business I wear it reluctantly because of the orders," said customer Patrick Quintana of Anthony's Jewelers.

But starting Wednesday, both Me and Ed’s and Anthony’s Jewelers will no longer require masks for any of their staff or customers.

"It’s been very frustrating wearing a mask I’m so glad this is coming about because it’s been very hard," said owner Angie Shaparro of Anthony's Jewelers.

Masks will still be required at businesses indoors for those unvaccinated.

The Santa Barbara County Department of Public Health announced on Thursday that it will lift its indoor mask mandate on Feb. 16.

The state announced on Monday that it would be lifting its indoor mask mandate on Feb. 15.