On Thursday, CA Governor Newsom issued an executive order requiring residents of the state to wear a mask when out in public to help stop the spread of the deadly virus, COVID-19. Of course there are a few exceptions to the new law but residents must wear a mask when engaging in the following activities:
- Riding in taxis and rideshare cars, taking public transit, standing in line to enter a building or walking through common areas like hallways, stairways, elevators and parking garages.
- People who work in a building visited by the public even if no other people are present and at all locations where food is prepared or packaged for sale or distribution.
- Residents must wear masks when outdoors and where social distancing measures do not exist.
“Science shows that face coverings and masks work,” Newsom said in a written statement. “They are critical to keeping those who are around you safe, keeping businesses open and restarting our economy.”
Exceptions:
- Children under two years old.
- People with medical conditions or developmental disabilities that prevent them from wearing masks.
- People who are hearing impaired who may rely on reading lips and facial expressions for communication.
- People can remove their masks to eat or drink at a restaurant, and for procedures like dental cleanings.
County jails and state prisons will implement their own policies.
As of Tuesday, state officials reported that more than 157,000 Californians have tested positive for the coronavirus and more than 5,200 have died.
