California will no longer require masks in schools after March 11, according to updated health guidance released by the state on Monday.

Gov. Gavin Newsom joined the governors of Oregon and Washington to announce that the states would be strongly recommending masking in schools instead of mandating it.

“California continues to adjust our policies based on the latest data and science, applying what we’ve learned over the past two years to guide our response to the pandemic,” Newsom said in a statement. “Masks are an effective tool to minimize spread of the virus and future variants, especially when transmission rates are high. We cannot predict the future of the virus, but we are better prepared for it and will continue to take measures rooted in science to keep California moving forward.”

As of Tuesday the state is no longer requiring unvaccinated individuals wear masks at indoor settings.

Masks will still be required for everyone in high transmission settings like public transit, emergency shelters, health care settings, correctional facilities, homeless shelters and long-term care facilities.

Local jurisdictions and school districts can implement their own restrictions if cases and hospitalizations make it necessary.

The change in the school mask mandate is part of Newsom’s SMARTER Plan, which is California's next phase in fighting COVID-19.

SMARTER stands for:

• Shots – Vaccines are the most powerful weapon against hospitalization and serious illness.

• Masks – Properly worn masks with good filtration help slow the spread of COVID-19 or other respiratory viruses.

• Awareness – We will continue to stay aware of how COVID-19 is spreading, evolving variants, communicate clearly how people should protect themselves, and coordinate our state and local government response.

• Readiness – COVID-19 is not going away and we need to be ready with the tools, resources and supplies we will need to quickly respond and keep public health and the healthcare system well prepared.

• Testing – Getting the right type of tests—PCR or antigen—to where they are needed most. Testing will help California minimize the spread of COVID-19.

• Education – California will continue to work to keep schools open and children safely in classrooms for in-person instruction.

• Rx – Evolving and improving treatments will become increasingly available and critical as a tool to save lives.

Turlock Unified School District is preparing to move forward with recommending masks instead of mandating them, and asks the community to have patience in the next few weeks.

“Indoor mask requirements will move from a requirement to a recommendation,” the district said in an announcement. “Until then, all students and staff in California are required to wear masks indoors in order for districts to remain in compliance with state requirements. We are asking for community support and patience as we move to the final stage of returning to normal. We all look forward to classrooms and interactions that help our students and staff feel better connected and engaged.”

State officials reviewed student vaccination rates, COVID case numbers, hospitalization rates and guidance from the CDC, as well as other data, before deciding when to lift mask mandates.

COVID cases have declined 50 percent statewide over the past two weeks, with test positivity dropping below 3 percent, said California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly at a news conference Monday. Monday there were 19.5 COVID cases per 100,000 residents. COVID cases are expected to continue to decline over the next two weeks to between five and 15 cases per 100,000 residents.

Ghaly stressed that mitigation measures could return if COVID rates increase, however.

“The future may bring future surges and new variants,” he said. “California will continue to build on what we have learned to keep Californians safe and secure.”

The Stanislaus County Department of Public Health is “strongly” recommending masks continue to be worn in indoor public spaces as Omicron is still spreading widely in the county.

“Public Health strongly recommends community members to continue following all preventative measures for their safety, such as washing hands frequently, staying 6 feet apart, staying home while sick, wearing a mask, and getting vaccinated and boosted. Relaxing of mask policies may understandably cause some anxiety. Community members can continue to choose to wear face coverings around others so everyone can stay safe. Please respect others' choices as many community members are at risk or around people with risks for severe disease. Public Health encourages the community to evaluate their risks and choose to protect themselves and those around them,” stated the Public Health Department in a statement.

— Sabra Stafford contributed to this report.