June 18, 2020

California Department of Public Health Releases Updated Face Covering Guidance

Today, the California Department of Public Health released updated guidance on face coverings, requiring Californians to wear a face covering in high-risk settings and the use of cloth face coverings by the general public when outside of the house. Scientific research has proven that face coverings, in addition to physical distancing and frequent hand washing, will reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Californians must wear face coverings in the following situations:

  • 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 six feet from persons who are not members of the same household or residence is not feasible. 

Click here for more information about the state’s COVID-19 guidance