A new mandate requiring masks inside county buildings took effect Monday, Monterey County officials said.

Under the new mandate, both employees and members of the public entering a county facility or building will be required to wear a mask indoors regardless of their vaccination status, according to county officials.

Monterey County supervisors approved the mandate earlier this month.

The requirement comes as COVID-19 cases continue to soar throughout the state and nation due to the contagious delta variant.