New mask rules are now in effect

CALIFORNIA MANDATES

Faced with a startling spike in coronavirus cases, California health officials issued a new mandate last week requiring residents to wear face coverings whenever they’re outside their homes, with few exceptions.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) say wearing masks and keeping a 6-foot distance from others can help curb the spread of COVID-19.

The expanded order announced Nov. 16 means Californians must wear masks unless they are alone in a car or only with those in their household; working alone in an office or room; outdoors and staying at least 6 feet away from others not in their household; are obtaining a service involving their nose or face; or are actively eating or drinking, so long as they maintain physical distance.

The new mandate exempts those younger than 2; have a disability or medical/mental health condition that prevents them from wearing a face covering; are hearing impaired, or are communicating with someone who is.

Also exempt are those “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,” according to the California Department of Public Health.

The latest face-covering rules replace the state’s earlier mask mandate, which had been on the books since June.

That previous order required Californians to wear face coverings in specified settings considered to be high risk, such as when shopping, taking public transit or seeking medical care.

—California Department of Public Health