MENDOCINO Co., 6/19/20 — Californians are now required to wear masks or other facial coverings in nearly all settings outside of their homes, announced Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday.
Facemasks can help prevent people who are infected but have few or no symptoms from spreading the virus further, according to guidelines released by the California Department of Public Health. The guidelines mandate the use of facemasks in public spaces, healthcare facilities, public transport, and some workplaces and outdoor settings where physical distancing is not possible. The guidelines also outline limited exemptions, such as for children under age 2, people with medical conditions that prevent them from wearing a mask, and people engaged in outdoor activities such as running and biking (provided they’re still socially distanced).
The new measure was introduced amid California’s reopening and one day after the state broke its record for most cases reported in a single day with 4,084, according to the official state website for COVID. Mendocino County also reported an uptick in infections, with 54 cases as of the latest report.
“Simply put, we are seeing too many people with faces uncovered – putting at risk the real progress we have made in fighting the disease,” said Gov. Newsom. “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.”
Wearing facemasks has become a politicized and polarizing issue in California. In Orange County, Public Health Officer Nicole Quick resigned following backlash and personal threats after she mandated facial coverings.
However, health officials stress that these guidelines are critical for protecting communities. “Wearing face coverings is another important way we can help protect one another,” said Dr. Sonia Angell, the State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health.
You can read more about California’s COVID-19 guidance on this web page.
Here is the full press release from the California Department of Public Health:
California Public Health Officials Release Guidance Requiring Californians to Wear Face Coverings in Most Settings Outside the Home
Californians Must Wear Face Coverings When in Higher-Risk Situations, Especially Indoors
Face Coverings Help Reduce the Spread of COVID-19
Governor Newsom: “Simply put, we are seeing too many people with faces uncovered – putting at risk the real progress we have made in fighting the disease.”
SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health today released updated guidance that requires Californians to wear a face covering in high-risk settings. A growing body of scientific research has shown that people with no or few symptoms of COVID-19 can still spread the disease and that the use of face coverings, combined with physical distancing and frequent hand washing, will reduce the spread of COVID-19.
“Science shows that face coverings and masks work,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “They are critical to keeping those who are around you safe, keeping businesses open and restarting our economy.”
Governor Newsom also addressed why he took this action now. “Simply put, we are seeing too many people with faces uncovered – putting at risk the real progress we have made in fighting the disease. 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.”
“As Californians venture into our communities more, wearing face coverings is another important way we can help protect one another,” said Dr. Sonia Angell, State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health. “Combined with physical distancing and frequent hand washing, wearing cloth face coverings when we are with others outside of our household will reduce the spread of COVID-19, which is still a very real threat across our state.”
Today’s guidance mandates the use of cloth face coverings by the general public statewide when outside the home, with limited exceptions.
Californians must wear face coverings when they are in the situations listed below:
- Inside of, or in line to enter, any indoor public space;
- Obtaining services from the healthcare sector in settings including, but not limited to, 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;
- Engaged in work, whether at the workplace or performing work off-site, when:
- Interacting in-person with any member of the public;
- Working in any space visited by members of the public, regardless of whether anyone from the public is present at the time;
- Working in any space where food is prepared or packaged for sale or distribution to others;
- Working in or walking through common areas, such as hallways, stairways, elevators, and parking facilities;
- In any room or enclosed area where other people (except for members of the person’s own household or residence) are present when 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. When no passengers are present, face coverings are strongly recommended.
- While outdoors in public spaces when maintaining a physical distance of six feet from persons who are not members of the same household or residence is not feasible.
The following individuals are exempt from wearing a face covering:
- 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.
More information about the state’s COVID-19 guidance is on the California Department of Public Health’s Guidance web page.
More information about reopening California and what individuals can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19, visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) in California.
I do not know where these privately owned for profit corporations are getting their non-fact information from but in my medical community it is quite the opposite of their political based information and they are spreading incorrect information. Face masks and coverings are now deemed a virus in themselves and people should not even think about wearing them unless they are sick and in that case, should not be out in the first place. This spreading of false information has gone too far and I challenge Gavin Newsom and the Health Department to show the Science behind their statements. They can spew their lies and we are going to follow because they say so? You had best give me many reports and test results to convince this community before they are going to take my livelihood away!
Since it is backed by no proof or information and I will do nothing just because they say so and no law says otherwise. Gavin Newsom has no authority to make any mandates to private persons. He may only make them to state agency’s which the health department is not one. Just because you put state in front of a title doesn’t make it so. They are paid by the CDC which is another private for profit organization that has Monetary gains to secure.