California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a new statewide order Thursday that requires all California residents and visitors to wear face masks and coverings during the coronavirus pandemic.
- There are some requirements, exceptions and guidelines for wearing the masks during the pandemic.
- Newsom said: “Science shows that face coverings and masks work. They are critical to keeping those who are around you safe, keeping businesses open and restarting our economy.”
- Michigan, New York, Maine, Delaware and Maryland already have statewide masks orders, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
When to wear a mask:
- Inside a public space
- Obtaining services from health care service, like a hospital, pharmacy, medical clinic, blood bank, dental office or physician office.
- Waiting for or riding public transportation, taxi, car service or ride-share.
- At work or working off-site when you’re talking with someone.
- Working where food is prepared.
- Walking or working in elevators, stairways, hallways.
- When you’re in a room where there are other people and you can’t physically distance.
- Driving or operating public transportation or ride-share. Face coverings recommended even when there are no passengers.
- Outdoors in public spaces when you’re maintaining physical distance from people who are not apart of your household.
Who is exempt?
Some people are exempt from the mask rule, including:
- Children 2 years old or younger.
- Anyone with a medical, mental health or development disability that limits them from wearing one.
- Anyone who has hearing impairment from wearing a mask.
- Anyone obtaining a service involving nose or face.
- A person who is seated a restaurant while eating or drinking, as long as they can stay physically distanced from others in the location.
- People who are incarcerated.
- People engaged in outdoor work or recreation, like walking, hiking, running or bicycling when alone or with household members.
Some interesting context:
Earlier in June, Orange County, California, canceled its mandate that required people to wear masks in public, as I wrote about for the Deseret News. The mandate received heavy pushback from locals.