A new COVID-19 wave is quietly making its way across California, and health officials are sounding the alarm — but the response this time feels less certain, less uniform, and far more tense than in past years. Case numbers are rising. Hospitalizations are creeping upward. Wastewater data — one of the few reliable indicators left — shows the virus is spreading fast.
Still, many Californians are unsure how seriously to take it.
The numbers are clear: California now has “high” coronavirus levels in its wastewater, according to the CDC, with the virus spreading across major population centers like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the Sacramento region. Thirty states across the U.S. are seeing the same pattern — rising infections or signs that another wave is underway.
But it’s not just case counts anymore.
Health officials are starting to recommend indoor masking again, especially in places where the virus is surging. In Yolo County, for example, where virus levels in sewage are considered high, the county’s health officer is urging everyone aged 2 and up to mask indoors in public. In San Francisco, health leaders are giving the same advice — especially when traveling or in crowded spaces.
Across the state, the test positivity rate has doubled since July. Hospital admissions for COVID are now higher than the winter peak — not just rising, but climbing at a pace that surprised even some doctors.
And yet, many people are going about their lives as though COVID has fully disappeared.
Dr. Elizabeth Hudson from Kaiser Permanente Southern California said she received a high number of COVID-related calls during the Labor Day weekend. And while many cases are still mild, she noted that wastewater levels are rising — a sign that this wave may not have peaked yet.
Still, hospitalization rates, while increasing, are labeled “low” by the CDC. But here’s what’s unsettling: in some counties like Orange, the percentage of hospital beds taken up by COVID patients is now higher than it was during the 2024-2025 winter surge. Emergency room visits for COVID-like symptoms are ticking up too, especially among older adults and those with underlying conditions.
Health Officials Urge Masks as Coronavirus Wave Hits Newsom’s California
Oh hell no! Never again!
California residents are being urged to wear masks as a new wave of coronavirus is hitting Gavin Newsom’s state.
A COVID wave is washing over California, with the state seeing… pic.twitter.com/YE78D338BR
— NWRain-Judi (@RYboating) September 4, 2025
So, what’s different this time?
Some of it comes down to the political climate — and the policies now shaping vaccine access. A new rule from the Trump administration has added a barrier for younger, healthy individuals under 65: to get a COVID vaccine this fall, they’ll need to first talk to a healthcare provider.
That change, intended to streamline who “really needs” the vaccine, is sparking pushback — even from officials like former Surgeon General Jerome Adams, who warned it could make it harder for people to protect themselves. He pointed out that seeing a doctor isn’t always easy or fast — and that this kind of requirement could discourage people from getting vaccinated at all.
The Biden administration’s policies led to wide, open access. The Trump administration’s approach appears more cautious, with a focus on limiting unnecessary shots. But for those in the middle — not high risk, but not immune — the process could feel more confusing than ever.
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before, again, again, again, again, again
Southern California is experiencing a summer surge of COVID-19 cases.
Local health officials are again urging people to wear masks in public indoor settings while the surge continues.
Will you comply? pic.twitter.com/XG9YU4zwVc
— Kevin Dalton (@TheKevinDalton) September 4, 2025
Meanwhile, doctors are reminding the public that COVID hasn’t gone away. In counties like Santa Clara, wastewater data suggests this summer’s viral levels are already close to last year’s peak. In Los Angeles, hospitalizations are matching last winter’s numbers. And in Sacramento and West Sacramento, virus levels are now considered high enough for masks to be recommended across most indoor public spaces.
But there’s still no official mask mandate. No new restrictions. Just rising numbers and a lot of uncertainty.
The big question remains: How far will this wave go?
And are people ready to respond if things get worse — or will it take another hospital surge to catch their attention?
