Benicia passes indoor mask mandate despite Solano Co. health officer’s recommendation

ABC7 News, August 25, 2021

BENICIA, Calif. (KGO) — Anyone aged four and up are now required to wear a mask indoors at public buildings in Benicia. That includes grocery stores, commercial office buildings and restaurants.

City council members approved the mandate yesterday.

Benicia is taking a harder stance than the rest of Solano County — the only Bay Area county without a mask mandate.

Earlier this month, ABC7 News spoke with the Solano County Health Officer who explained why they initially chose not to implement indoor masking.

“The data does not support the need for such a mandate. This disease in our county is very clearly spreading during/through social events, people who are going to parties, barbecues, picnics, campouts,” said Dr. Bela Matyas.

The mandate goes into effect immediately and will be reviewed in six weeks.

See also:

• • Benicia physician Alan Plutchok MD: Matyas missing the facts
  • Benicia physician Richard Fleming cites data on mask mandates
  • Former Benicia Mayor Elizabeth Patterson asks hard questions about Solano County health policies
  • Dixon author Kelly James: Enough with COVID misinformation
  • KTVU TV News: Benicia breaks with Solano County, adopts mask mandate
  • BREAKING NEWS: Benicia Council passes citywide indoor mask mandate, effective immediately