The COVID-19 vaccines remain effective in preventing serious disease, hospitalization, and death from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, since Thanksgiving, the statewide seven-day average case rate has increased by 47% and hospitalizations have increased by 14%.

On December 1, 2021 the first confirmed U.S. case of Omicron, a Variant of Concern as labeled by the World Health Organization, was identified. The Omicron variant is likely to spread more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and the Delta variant and has been detected throughout the United States and the world.

While the percentage of Californians fully vaccinated and boosted continues to increase, we continue to have areas of the state where vaccine coverage is low putting individuals and communities at greater risk for COVID-19. While we have made great progress, many states and countries are experiencing increasing levels of transmission and increasing travel from other states and countries is expected during this winter season.

It is imperative that California continue to take steps necessary to curb the spread of COVID-19 and its variants and reduce new sources of infection until we can achieve higher levels of vaccination in California and beyond. As such, the State is issuing the following recommendations, which supersede all prior Travel Advisories:

• All travelers arriving in or returning to California from other states or countries should follow CDC travel guidance.
• All travelers arriving in or returning to California from other states or countries should test 3-5 days after arrival.
• All travelers who test positive or develop symptoms of COVID-19 should isolate and follow public health recommendations.