Newsom Mandates Mask Use Statewide

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – As coronavirus cases increase, California governor issues statewide order for people to wear masks.Statement from CDPH

Because of our collective actions, California has limited the spread of COVID-19 and associated hospitalizations and deaths in our state. Still, the risk for COVID-19 remains and the increasing number of Californians who are leaving their homes for work and other needs, increases the risk for COVID-19 exposure and infection.

Over the last four months, we have learned a lot about COVID-19 transmission, most notably that people who are infected but are asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic play an important part in community spread. The use of face coverings by everyone can limit the release of infected droplets when talking, coughing, and/or sneezing, as well as reinforce physical distancing.

This document updates existing CDPH guidance for the use of cloth face coverings by the general public when outside the home. It mandates that face coverings be worn state-wide in the circumstances and with the exceptions outlined below.

It does not substitute for existing guidance about social distancing and handwashing.

Guidance

People in California 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;1•Obtaining services from the healthcare sector in settings including, but notlimited to, a hospital, pharmacy, medical clinic, laboratory, physician ordental office, veterinary clinic, or blood bank;2•Waiting for or riding on public transportation or paratransit or while in ataxi, 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, regardlessof whether anyone from the public is present at the time;