The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered some pretty serious life changes. Recently, California’s governor declared that everyone is required to wear a face mask.
Why Are Face Masks Required In California?
There is a great deal of debate about whether the governor actually can demand that everyone wear a face mask in California. The decision wasn’t one that he, or any of the other states, randomly decided on. While no one is willing to guarantee that face masks will definitely protect you from developing COVID-19 there is plenty of scientific evidence that supports the idea that face masks will slow the spread of the potentially deadly virus.
The most compelling bit of evidence that supports the idea of wearing a face mask is a German study that revealed wearing a face mask reduces the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19 by 40%. It is worth noting that medical experts all agree that masks are the most effective when you adhere to other social distancing protocols which include maintaining a six-foot gap between yourself and other people and avoiding large groups.
Who Has To Wear Face Mask In California?
Except for children under the age of two, adults who have a medical reason to not wear a mask and individuals who aren’t able to remove the mask without assistance, everyone is required to wear a face mask. You are expected to wear a mask that is constructed out of tightly-woven material and it has to cover both your nose and mouth.
Where Do Face Masks Have To Be Worn In California?
The law is very clear about where you have to wear your face mask. If you’re indoors and in a public setting, your mouth and nose must be covered. You are allowed to remove it when you’re eating. If you’re utilizing public transportation, a taxi or a rideshare program, you should be wearing your mask.
You are also required to wear a face mask anytime your outdoors and in an area where social distancing protocols aren’t in place.
The governor was quick to explain why he felt the need to create the California face mask law. Simply put, “we are seeing too many people with faces uncovered — putting at risk the real progress we have made in fighting the disease,” Gov. Gavin Newsom explained in a recent statement.
In addition to wearing your face mask, you can further prevent the spread of COVID-19 by regularly washing your hands, using sanitizer and disinfecting your cell phone.
