California Governor Gavin Newsom announced today that wearing face coverings is now required in most public spaces. This mandate is state-wide and is in effect as of today, June 18.
The guidance released this afternoon is very similar to Santa Clara County’s face coverings policy. The state’s guidelines state that Californians must wear face coverings when they are in the high-risk 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 6 feet from persons who are not members of the same household or residence is not feasible.
There are exceptions that can be found on the State’s website, but if you can’t wear traditional face coverings but you are employed in a job that involves regular contact with others, you should wear a non-restrictive alternative.
“Together — we can slow the spread,” said Newsom on Twitter. “Do your part. Wear a mask.”
The mandate comes a day before some counties in California are allowed to open personal care services.
Read more on the State’s website.
