California is grappling with a summer COVID wave marked by rising cases and hospitalizations, as health officials urge mask use and debate swirls over new vaccine access rules.
California is experiencing a summer COVID-19 wave, with confirmed cases, hospitalizations, and wastewater viral levels all on the rise, prompting some local health officials to recommend mask use in indoor public spaces.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported “high” coronavirus levels in California’s wastewater, with infections “growing” or “likely growing” in 30 states nationwide. In the week ending August 23, 12.07% of tests in California came back positive, doubling from late July.
Los Angeles, Orange, and San Francisco counties have all recorded sharp increases in test positivity and emergency room visits.
Dr. Aimee Sisson, Yolo County’s health officer, urged mask use, especially in West Sacramento, citing high sewage viral levels. “Wearing a high-quality mask such as an N95, KN95, or KF94 that fits well continues to provide strong protection,” she said.
Hospital admissions remain “low” overall but have more than doubled in a month, exceeding last winter’s peak in some counties.
The updated 2025-26 vaccine is set to arrive at pharmacies soon, though new Trump administration rules requiring younger, healthy adults to consult a doctor before vaccination drew criticism.
Former Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams warned the requirement poses “real access barriers.”