Gov. Gavin Newsom has issued a statewide public health order requiring nearly all Californians to wear face coverings in public, effective immediately.
Face masks are required whenever residents are outside of their home or car and cannot stay six feet apart from others, with some exceptions.
The governor cited a growing body of evidence showing that widespread face coverings can significantly reduce the spread of the coronvirus.
"Simply put, we are seeing too many people with faces uncovered - putting at risk the real progress we have made in fighting the disease," Gov. Newsom said in a statement. "California’s strategy to restart the economy and get people back to work will only be successful if people act safely and follow health recommendations. That means wearing a face covering, washing your hands and practicing physical distancing."
NEW: Californians are now required to wear face coverings in public spaces - particularly indoors or when physical distancing is not possible. --Read more on the state's new face covering mandate: https://t.co/snYe5v55Rw#YourActionsSaveLives pic.twitter.com/xD8dP3Aa3x
— Office of the Governor of California (@CAgovernor) June 18, 2020Masks are now required in every county regardless of local orders in almost every situation where residents might come close to people who are not part of their household.
State Senator Steve Glazer said the benefits of wearing masks is clear, but politics has created a controversy where there should not be one.
"Unfortunately the whole issue has become political, rather than about health. It’s become about politics and that’s a problem," he said. "That mixed message has meant that people think it’s somehow okay to ignore the public health issues and exhibit some political behavior. But it’s dangerous and it’s going to keep us sheltered in place and locked down for a lot longer. We’ve got to take all the necessary steps to control this virus or we’re never going to get back to normal."
The order provided the following exceptions:
- Children aged two and under;
- Persons with a medical, mental health, or developmental 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;
- Persons who are seated at a restaurant or other establishment that offers food or beverage service, while they are eating or drinking, provided that they are able to maintain a distance of 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 such as swimming, walking, hiking, bicycling, or running, when alone or with household members, and when they are able to maintain a distance of at least six feet from others;
- Persons who are incarcerated. Prisons and jails, as part of their mitigation plans, will have specific guidance on the wearing of face coverings of masks for both inmates and staff.
