Santa Barbara County Public Health continues mask order following Governor despite CDC’s latest guidance

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- A mixed reaction to the Center for Disease Control's (CDC) latest guidance for masks.
They announced anyone who is fully vaccinated doesn't have to wear a mask. But coming a day after Governor Newsom announced Californians will have to wear masks until at least June 15, there's some confusion.

Carly Weisman set her Sea Gems' table at Thursday's State Street Promenade Market with her mom. She said, “We were planning on asking actually the people that put it on. Just to see what they think. Because if they want us to wear it then we’ll definitely wear it.”

Dakayla Rasper is visiting Santa Barbara from Akron, OH, this week with her friends. She said, “I don’t know. I don’t have any problem with masks. So I think whatever the rules is I’m okay with.”

Lynthia Muller is the designer for That Neck Pillow. She also set up a booth for the State Street Promenade Market. She said, “I feel comfortable if people don’t wear a mask.”

Some vendors setting up for the State Street Promenade Market said they're ready for maskless customers.

“It doesn’t bother me," said Muller. "I’m not scared to say if somebody comes up out of nowhere without wearing a mask that I”m freaking out that I’m going to get COVID.”

“Outside I think we’re fine," added Weisman. "But I still feel like I need it. I don’t know. I’m just being extra cautious. And I want to be wary of other people.”

But Downtown Santa Barbara is still encouraging people to follow Santa Barbara County Public Health and CDC guidelines. They recommend wearing a mask if they're vaccinated or not when in large gatherings or festivals. That includes Thursday's State Street Promenade Markets.

Santa Barbara County Public Health director, Van Do-Reynoso, said, “I think it’s important to do so, because one we want to make sure that we are in compliance and two we want to be protective of those around us especially those who have not been vaccinated.”

Now the South and Central Coast's eyes are back to the governor to see if he and the state will update its masking guidance. Right now Santa Barbara County is following what Governor Newsom announced Wednesday, masks until at least June 15.

“Here in California we have to abide by health officer orders and CDPH guidance,” said Do-Reynoso.