California is lifting its mask mandate on March 1 for unvaccinated people in most indoor settings, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Feb. 28. The state’s K–12 school mask mandate will be lifted on March 12. Masks will then be “strongly recommended,” rather than required, for all individuals indoors. “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.” Masks will continue to be required for everyone in health care facilities, transit centers, airports, aboard public transit, in correctional facilities, …