Traveling to California soon? Be sure to pack your mask.

California officials recently announced plans to enact an universal statewide indoor mask mandate. The mandate will be in effect from Dec. 15 to Jan. 15.

The mandate is an effort by the state to get ahead of the spread of COVID-19 through the holidays.

The mandate will apply to all counties in California, including those currently not requiring indoor masks.

In additions, anyone planning to attend events with 1,000 or more attendees who do not show proof of vaccination will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test upon entry. The test requirements are now for shorter windows than the 72 hours in previous guidance. Those PCR test results must have been taken within 48 hours of the event, and rapid COVID-19 tests must have been taken within 24 hours.

In addition, the state is recommending travelers entering or returning to get tested for COVID-19 within three to five days of arrival.