Governor Newsom Issues Statewide Order Compelling Face Masks

On June 18, 2020, Governor Newsom issued a sweeping order requiring all Californians to wear masks. The order requires masks in commercial and public areas and at work. According to the order, masks must be worn in the following situations:

(1) Inside of, or inline to enter, any indoor public space;

(2) obtaining healthcare services, including at hospitals, pharmacies, an office visit, clinic or blood bank;

(3) waiting for or riding public transportation, in a taxi, private car service, or ride-sharing vehicle;

(4) Working when:

• interacting in-person with a member of the public,
• working in a space visited by the public,
• working where food is prepared or packaged for sale or distribution,
• walking in common areas including halls, stairways, elevators and parking facilities, and
• any enclosed area where other people are present;
• interacting in-person with a member of the public,
• working in a space visited by the public,
• working where food is prepared or packaged for sale or distribution,
• walking in common areas including halls, stairways, elevators and parking facilities, and
• any enclosed area where other people are present;

(5) driving or operating public transportation, taxi, car service or ride-sharing vehicle when passengers present; and

(6) in outdoor public spaces when 6 feet of social distancing is not feasible.

There are some exceptions such as children under two years of age, persons with medical conditions preventing the wearing of a covering, persons who are hearing-impaired, persons seated at a restaurant provided they maintain a 6-foot distance from others, and persons engaged in outdoor work or recreation.

A copy of the order can be found here.