Governor Newsom issued a statewide order on Thursday that requires residents to wear masks while at work, at most indoor public places, and outdoors if social distancing isn't possible.
The order is in response to rising number of cases recently confirmed in California now that testing capacity is more readily available. Over 3,400 infected people are hospitalized in the state right now, which is the highest amount since April.
Newsom says that he's seen too many people are going out in public without face coverings, which is an even greater cause for concern as more and more businesses reopen.
"Science shows that face coverings and masks work," Newsom said, "They are critical to keeping those who are around you safe, keeping businesses open and restarting our economy."
There are of course, some exceptions where a mask will not be required:
- Outdoor activities (walking, hiking, running, bicycling) where you can maintain social distancing
- Children under the age of 2
- People with medical conditions that would prevent them from wearing a mask
- Hearing impaired individuals or those that communicate with hearing impaired individuals
- People receiving treatments on their nose or mouth
- Situations where a mask would violate workplace safety guidelines (fire hazard, etc)
- Diners at restaurants may remove masks to consumer meal/drink beverage as long as they are at least 6-feet from others
No mention was made of how the order would be enforced.