LizTD

Yes I am. Thank you for sharing.

LizTD

The guy had COVID. He has antibodies from that. AND as I said, other countries recognize that this is a proxy for immunity conferred by vaccination (most EU countries). Gosh, I was hoping that this would not turn into what it clearly has. A lecture about "correct thought."

LizTD

Thank you fort he helpful, factual, sensible reply

LizTD

I penned a few quick replies that apparently were not associated with the off point, tut tutting, judgmental posts about traveling with an unvaccinated traveler and gasps/eye rolls about natural immunity. Note to Fodorites. If you are not going to provide a substantive reply to a question, check it and move on. I hear there is/was a Fodorite lounge for trash talking snarky comments. (Thanks to those who actually responded substantively to my post).

Barbara

If your friend will not get vaccinated, a negative Covid test within the last 72 hrs may suffice. In the US, and most certainly in California, "natural immunity" is not a "proxy" for immunity conferred by vaccination. I don't think the other posters are intending to lecture, but to emphasize that one is not the equivalent of the other, according to all the science.

Jean

Beyond Covid, there's the weather. Temps would likely be pleasant, but January is sometimes the wettest month of the year in Santa Barbara. The other two wettest months are February and December. And while you could get lucky, when it rains in this area, it often comes as a deluge and not scattered showers throughout the day. Not exactly the best odds for sightseeing.

janisj

Sorry you got all the preachy responses. Some are more used to posting in the Lounge where being judgemental and telling people off is par for the course. I do agree with some of them but no reason to turn the travel forums into the Lounge.

The main problem is the rules change (sometimes with a fair advance warning and sometimes on seemingly a whim). Plus every county is different and cities within counties can differ more. In the county where I live everyone no matter the vaccine status must wear masks indoors everywhere. 4 miles away in another county hardly a mask is seen anywhere other than in hospitals and on public transport.

35 miles in the other direction in a major wine region almost every winery and vineyard allows maskless visits/tasting for the vaccinated, and require masks indoors if not vaccinated - but otherwise no other limitations.

Clarkgriswold gave you the best advice -- wait a while and see what rules may change, lighten/tighten up

obxgirl

Does the US Forum have a basement?

FWIW, waning immunity (vaccinated and "natural") is documented. The difference between vaccinated and "natural" is there is a basis for determining when it begins to happen among the vaccinated.

The EU seems to be understanding this.

https://www.politico.eu/article/covi...munity-europe/

janisj

lynni

janisj- May I ask which wine region you are referring to in your post? I'm tired and can't figure out which major wine region- 35 miles from SB isn't requiring masks.)

We just made reservation for Thursday night in West Hollywood at Sur Restaurant and either proof of vaccination or a negative covid test is required for entry.

I still think the most prudent thing to do is map out the itinerary, check requirements and then do it all again the day before you leave. Good luck!

janisj

Lynni: Sorry for the confusion - not SB -- I was just trying to explain the rules are different in every corner of the state and can change any time. My examples were Sacramento County -- mask required everywhere, Placer County next door -- not required virtually anywhere except in hospitals/clinics. The wine region is Amador County (Shenandoah Valley etc)

Oh - and next door the other direction in Yolo County masks required everywhere and expected even outdoors/playing sports

mlgb

The State of California does not issue their masking orders for adults based on "immunity" (natural or vaccinated) only vaccination status.

The State requires mask wearing for unvaccinated individuals in indoor public settings and businesses (examples: retail, restaurants, theaters, family entertainment centers, meetings, state and local government offices serving the public).

However, enforcement is left up to the business, venue or operator.

"In settings where masks are required only for unvaccinated individuals, businesses, venue operators or hosts may choose to:

• Provide information to all patrons, guests and attendees regarding vaccination requirements and allow vaccinated individuals to self-attest that they are in compliance prior to entry.
  
• Implement vaccine verification to determine whether individuals are required to wear a mask.
  
• Require all patrons to wear masks."
• https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID...coverings.aspx

As mentioned in a number of posts, other Counties and some Cities (and private operators) have stricter requirements. As can individual operators. So you would need to research every venue you plan to visit.

Good news is that we have plenty of drive-through fast food restaurants. And you can still go to a supermarket without showing proof of vaccination, even in Los Angeles City. But you'll be expected to wear a mask.

I think you are also allowed to briefly enter a restaurant to pickup a take-out order without proof of vaccination. So you won't starve.

Should I assume that you two will be flying into California? Be prepared to properly wear a mask (not a neck gaiter) over your nose and mouth in the airport and on any shuttles, Ubers or other transportation. Also, be prepared for stink-eye if you don't, or refusal of service.

IBJoel

For what it's worth, rules can change at any time, so December may be quite different. I live in LA County and don't have trouble anywhere except when I'm in the city proper. I went to a ramen place on Saturday and while I was able to dine outside, going inside to use the restroom required me to show my ID and photo of vaccination card.

LizTD

Thanks folks. I did not mean to get hissy and normally try to avoid "getting into it" about this whole mess, which has become so divisive, but i got a bit irked last night. I'll take the advice to monitor the situation as I get closer to my cut off, map out the itinerary and check with each location about its rules, and make a decision based on the facts.

Jackie

Liz-thanks for starting your post. I plan on going to Sonoma and Carmel in March so came here looking for tips on traveling in CA w/respect to Covid (we've both gotten booster shots). Got same place as you--wait until the time is closer to figure it all out. For the first time I purchased "cancel for any reason" travel insurance and am glad I did.

lynni

After I wrote that I remembered you're in NorCal and figured out your post! Thanks for clarifying!

mlgb

If you've been boosted your CDC card should work. Liz has a complication of traveling with an unvaccinated friend.

You may still need to wear masks in some places, but March is a long way away. Depending on any post Easter-Spring break surge, who knows?

LizTD

I thought about cancel for any reason (and for others who may not know, it must be purchased soon after booking usually no more than 20 days). i looked into the cost of it vs. the benefit and given that our non-refundable portion of the booking is 50 % up to 2 weeks prior and the airline tickets were pretty cheap the ROI was not there. I am certain I will make a decision in time to get at least 50 % back. But for a big trip, it is critical (like a European river cruise where low water levels make a trip unpleasant even as the carrier decides to proceed and put passengers on buses between cities - which allowed me on a prior planned trip to "bail" on a trip once and be able to get my money back!)

robincal

Here in Placer county there isn't too much enforcement of anything. Signs in some grocery stores that non vaccinated people should wear a mask, but never enforced. Restaurants no masks, no checking, nothing (at least from what I've experienced). Banks encourage masking, but not really enforcing it. I have family members and friends who aren't vaccinated, and several who were vaccinated early on and haven't gotten a booster and a few who have gotten a booster.

Jackie

Liz--I insured only the airfare as hotels I reserved can be cancelled up to 2 days before. At that point I will have a good sense of what's open/closed as well as how comfortable I feel flying. For $85 it was worth the peace of mind.