The California Department of Public Health today released an updated guidance that requires Californians to wear a face covering in high-risk settings. A growing body of scientific research has shown that people with no or few symptoms of COVID-19 can still spread the disease and that the use of face coverings, combined with physical distancing and frequent hand washing, will reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Governor Gavin Newsom said, “We are seeing too many people with faces uncovered – putting at risk the real progress we have made in fighting the disease. Science shows that face coverings and masks work. They are critical to keeping those who are around you safe, keeping businesses open and restarting our economy.”
Today's guidance mandates the use of cloth face coverings by the general public statewide when outside the home, with limited exceptions. The guidance outlines scenarios in which wearing a face covering is required and also outlines those who are exempt from wearing a face covering.
More information about the state's COVID-19 guidance is on the California Department of Public Health's Guidance web page.
More information about reopening California and what individuals can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19, visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) in California.