Mask policy unchanged for now

The mask policy is not changing yet in Shafter as the city announced masks are still needed indoors in public places and at events with a large crowd.

This past week there was a slight increase in new cases in the city with 19 newly reported cases. This brings the total confirmed cases in Shafter to 3,552. Wasco has had 5,416 confirmed cases.

"The California Department of Public Health has not updated their mask guidance at this time. Kern County residents should continue to follow the current state face covering guidance," said Michelle Corson, spokeswoman for Kern County's Public Health Department.

The Center for Disease Control announced last Thursday that fully vaccinated people do not need to wear a mask or social distance themselves.

Erin Briscoe, a spokeswoman for the Kern High School District, said that their guidelines are staying the same.

"As of right now, the newly released CDC guidance is not changing much for us. We will continue to follow the California Department of Public Health guidance regarding face coverings."

In other city news, it was announced recently that residents will need to adjust their routes when traveling around the Lerdo Highway area where the railroad crossing is located. The rail crossing will be closed beginning Tuesday, May 18 through Friday, May 21 due to maintenance.