Airlines, airports and other transportation agencies, including BART and Caltrain. had followed suit in making masks optional.

Of those sampled in the Bay Area Council poll, 49% said they were very or somewhat concerned about contracting the virus, and . 59% said the same about a family member contracting COVID. 

While the state and Santa Clara County lifted indoor mask requirements in mid-February and early March, San Jose had continued to require them in public places like grocery stores and restaurants.

Income inequality grew in California during three of the last four recessions before the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers are trying to figure out if the same happened in 2020.

The county's seven-day average of new Covid cases has held below 550 for six consecutive days. 

Local jurisdictions are free to impose their own requirements, but all students and staff, regardless of vaccination status, will no longer be required by California to wear a mask indoors at schools and child care facilities starting March 12. 

Public Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody said state indoor masking requirements would still apply for unvaccinated individuals and in schools and other settings regardless of vaccination status.

A top state health official provided little new information on Monday about lifting mask mandates in schools, as public health experts say it might be time to take more steps towards normalcy in schools.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law this week that requires large employers in California to offer workers up to 80 hours of COVID-related paid sick leave. But there’s a catch: The bill, which the Legislature passed on Feb. 7, doesn’t apply to small employers with 25 or fewer workers.

Public health officials announce local indoor masking requirements will remain in place, despite the state's announcement lifting some mask rules Feb. 16.

Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders anounced they have agreed to restore California paid sick leave for COVID-19.

Bills in Congress are aimed at the California senator and others in Congress who have had strangely good timing when it comes to stock investments.

On Tuesday, Jan. 25, the Central Park branch will open for limited services, including hold pickups, light browsing, and computer printing and copying. Both the Northside and Mission Branches will remain closed until further notice. 

Starting Saturday, new federal rules also will require private insurers to cover the at-home coronavirus tests that Americans buy in pharmacies and other stores.

Throughout California, as COVID-19 infections deplete their staff of nurses, anesthesiologists and other essential workers, hospitals are canceling or postponing so-called 'elective' surgeries to repair injured knees and aching back, remove kidney or bladder stones, and repair cataracts or hernias, among other procedures.

The governor’s California Blueprint bolsters the state’s ongoing work to address COVID-19, climate change, homelessness, inequality and fighting crime.