Marin County Residents,
Under the authority of the California Emergency Services Act, Governor Newsom issued a mandate that everyone must wear a mask when in public settings.
Face coverings are required for everyone over 2 years old when:
- at indoor AND outdoor businesses – whether as an employee or a customer
- waiting in line to enter a store
- waiting for and using public transit
- when in a taxi or rideshare
- when seeking healthcare; or visiting a hospital, medical clinic, pharmacy, laboratory, dental office, veterinary clinic or blood bank
- walking outside and within 6 feet of others (about the length of a mattress)
The only exceptions are for people for whom a face covering may not be safe (for example, children 2 and under, or anyone who has trouble breathing or is unable to remove a face covering without assistance).
You can remove your mask to address basic biological necessities like eating and drinking, or if you are suddenly short of breath and feel a need for more air. You should replace your mask as soon as possible if you have to remove it. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer both before and after handling your face covering.
You do not need to wear a face covering while you are exercising outdoors by yourself, but you must keep one with you at all times to put on when you see someone approaching and ensure your nose and mouth are securely covered by the time you get within six feet of them.
Face coverings are not required when you are alone or exclusively with members of your household.
Face coverings should cover your nose and mouth, and can be improvised from bandanas, t-shirts, or other cloth around your home. Do not use masks with a vent or valve. These valves allow respiratory droplets out of the mask, which puts people nearby at risk. Do not use N-95s and medical grade masks, which are needed for health care workers and first responders.
Covering your face with cloth reduces the chance that you will unknowingly infect someone else if you are carrying COVID-19 but have no symptoms. Face coverings are not a substitute for staying home except for allowed activities, keeping six feet away from others when out, and washing your hands often with soap and water.
Visit coronavirus.marinhhs.org/masks for more information.
