Governor Newsom Requires Face Coverings for Californians

Published: 06/18/2020

Gov. Newsom, citing the increasing number of Californians leaving their homes to go back to work or attend to other needs, today (6/18) mandated that face coverings be worn in most public places, with some exceptions.

Newsom said the requirement is necessary to combat the increasing risk of exposure to COVID-19, including from people who are not showing symptoms. Scientific evidence shows that face coverings limit the release of infected droplets when talking, coughing or sneezing.

Other existing guidelines remain in effect, such as the need to maintain six feet of social distancing, wash your hands frequently, refrain from touching your face, and stay home when ill.

Face coverings are specifically required when:

• inside or in line to enter any indoor public space.
• obtaining healthcare, including at a hospital, pharmacy, medical clinic, laboratory, physician or dental office, veterinary clinic, or blood bank.
• waiting for or riding on public transportation or paratransit or while in a taxi, private car service, or ride-sharing vehicle.
• working around any member of the public, or while in any space visited by the public, regardless of whether the public is present.
• working anywhere food is prepared or packaged for sale or distribution.
• working in or walking through common areas, such as hallways, stairways, elevators, and parking facilities.
• in any enclosed area where there are other people who are not part of your household and you are unable to physically distance.
• driving or operating any public transportation or paratransit vehicle, taxi, or private car service or ride-sharing vehicle when passengers are present (strongly recommended when no passengers).
• while outdoors in public spaces and it is not possible to maintaining a physical distance of six feet from persons who are not members of the same household or residence.

 

Face covering are not required of:

• children are two years old or younger.
• persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a face covering.
• persons who are hearing impaired, or communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication.
• persons for whom wearing a face covering would create a risk to the person related to their work, as determined by local, state, or federal regulators or workplace safety guidelines.
• persons who are obtaining a service involving the nose or face for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service.
• anyone eating or drinking at a restaurant or other establishment that offers food or beverage service, provided they stay at least six feet away from persons who are not members of the same household or residence.
• persons who are engaged in outdoor work or recreation when alone or with household members, and when they are at least six feet from others.
• persons who are incarcerated.

Learn more HERE