Throughout Monterey County, face masks will be required to be worn indoors in public spaces beginning Friday, November 5. This is because Monterey County has reached the "substantial" community transmission level of Covid-19 according to the CDC. For details, please read this short article in Monterey County Weekly by Pam Marino.

There are some exceptions to the mask mandate, all covered in the article . These exceptions include indoor dining, situations in which a mask would "impede a medical or cosmetic procedure," or at a meeting where all vaccinated people have shown proof of vaccination (unvaccinated people still have to wear masks).

We thank you for your patience, your compassion in these unusual times, and your continued support of Downtown Old Monterey's small, locally-owned businesses.

Earlier in the month, the Campbell City Council voted to extend the Parklets Program in Downtown Campbell out to January 3rd, 2022. This is expected to be the final extension of the Parklets Program in Downtown Campbell.

Beginning on November 1, Monterey Bay Aquarium will require all visitors age 12 and older to provide proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours of their scheduled visit. View a full list of Covid testing sites in Monterey County here.

Staff, volunteers, and guests ages three and older are still required to wear a mask when inside at the Aquarium. Timed tickets remain available for purchase exclusively through the Aquarium's website .

As of this week, Golden State Theatre requires all patrons entering the theatre to show either: 1) proof of full vaccination or 2) proof of a negative Covid test within 72 hours of showtime.

Results of rapid Covid tests (non-PCR tests) will be accepted. View a full list of Covid testing sites in Monterey County here.

To-Go Cocktails Helped Hula's Survive the Pandemic Closure, and Remain Popular as Business Picks Back Up
by Agata Popeda
Monterey County Weekly, 07/26/21

On July 19, Monterey County Health Department issued a new announcement:

"With cases of COVID-19 rising locally and increased reports of the very infectious Delta variant, the Counties of Monterey, Napa, San Benito, and Santa Cruz recommend that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks indoors in public places. Out of an abundance of caution, people are recommended to wear masks indoors in places like grocery or retail stores, theaters, and family entertainment centers, even if they are fully vaccinated.

"Businesses are urged to adopt universal masking requirements for customers entering indoor areas of their businesses to provide better protection to their employees and customers. This will also make it easier for businesses to be sure unvaccinated people are masked."

The Health Department also reminds us that fully vaccinated people are well-protected from infections and serious illness due to Covid-19 (including the Delta variant). Vaccinating as many people as possible continues to be our best defense! To find a vaccination site near you, please visit www.myturn.ca.gov or call 2-1-1.

The State of California is continuing its incentive program to get as many people as possible vaccinated for Covid-19. On July 1, all Californians over age 18 who have received the vaccine will be entered into a drawing to receive one of six dream vacations (including hotels, food, and entertainment for up to four people plus $2000 for expenses). Read details here.

Want to find out where to get a free Covid-19 vaccine? Find a location here.

The Monterey trolley is returning soon! This free service will operate July 3 - September 6, 10am-6pm daily. Park in the Downtown Monterey or Cannery Row garages or at the Waterfront lot and get a free ride to all your favorite attractions including Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, the Lighthouse District, Downtown Old Monterey, and Old Fisherman's Wharf.

The State of California is continuing its incentive program to get as many people as possible vaccinated for Covid-19. On July 1, 2021, all Californians over age 18 who have received the vaccine will be entered into a drawing to receive one of six dream vacations (including hotels, food, and entertainment for up to four people plus $2000 for expenses). Read details here.

Want to find out where to get a free Covid-19 vaccine? Find a location here.

By now, all of you have probably heard that California reopened on June 15. You may be asking: what does that mean?

It means that most, but not all, Covid-19 related public health orders have been lifted for all the lucky people who've been vaccinated. For people who haven't been vaccinated, the new rules are somewhat relaxed, but remain similar to what they were before.

As of June 15, businesses in Monterey's Lighthouse District no longer have any capacity limits and most are not required to enforce masking and social distancing for anyone who's been vaccinated, Keep in mind that they can still request that everyone wear a mask while on their premises.

If a business is still requiring everyone to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status, they surely have a good reason for doing so. Please remember that each small business is run by someone who has a family and is dealing with challenges that you can't see. While we're all thrilled to be starting the return to normal, the reality is that for people operating shops, restaurants, and services, things are still a long way from normal. 2021 is going to be a year of transition.

Please help us this year by being your most compassionate and understanding self. If wearing a mask is not something you're willing to do, just take your money to another business until their rules change.

If you're vaccinated but still want to continue to wear a mask, you're welcome to do that regardless of what other people are doing around you.

What if you want to get vaccinated for Covid-19? Now is a great time to get vaccinated - there are many free vaccine appointments available in Monterey County . Increased vaccination rates protect your physical health as well as our economic health. We simply do not want to return to shutdowns and curfews. Vaccines are the most important tool we have to return California to a vibrant, growing, and healthy economy. Anda!

Every Saturday morning at 8:45am, Epicenter Cycling invites you to join a mountain bike workshop and guided ride at Fort Ord led by Angie Scarlett. We'll focus on a new fundamental skill each week plus teach you bike maintenance along with fitness and nutrition tips.

All are welcome! Reservations are required - fee is $15 per person. Please register and learn more about our workshops on Eventbrite .