(News Release) Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel is preparing a new order requiring patrons and staff at essential businesses to wear face coverings to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
To be issued this week, the order will follow new requirements in place throughout much of the Bay Area, and is intended to further slow the spread of novel coronavirus. The order impacts public, commercial and governmental spaces where face-to-face interactions may pose a risk of transmission, including grocery stores, health care offices, restaurant pickup counters, public transit, essential government offices and more.
“We are making great progress in flattening the curve and preventing the spread of COVID-19,” Dr. Newel said. “However, we now know that COVID-19 can be transmitted by infected patients for days before they are symptomatic. These measures are intended to protect our essential workers and each other, and I urge everyone to follow this order closely.”
Businesses must take reasonable measures, such as posting signs, to remind visitors about face coverings, and may not serve customers who do not observe the order. Workers do not need to face coverings if they are alone in a personal office but must put them on when others enter.
Residents are encouraged to continue to practice safe physical distancing when they go out to exercise or for recreation. Individuals engaged in outdoor recreation and who are able to practice distancing (joggers, cyclists, hikers, etc.) are not required to wear face coverings, but should move to avoid close proximity with passers-by.
