Today, Thursday, June 18, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom issued new guidance requiring Californians to wear face coverings in certain “high-risk” situations.  Before the new guidance, face coverings had only been strongly recommended.  The situations in which a face covering is required include:

• Inside or in line to enter, any indoor, public place
• Inside health care facilities such as a hospital, pharmacy, or doctor’s office
• Using public transportation, taxis, or ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft, etc.)
• While working, in the following situations:
  • In any space food is prepared or packaged,
  • Walking in or through any common areas (hallways, elevators, break rooms, etc.)
  • In any room where another person is physically present

• While outdoors when unable to maintain six feet of distance between other people

Certain individuals, such as children aged two and under, the hearing impaired, people with certain health conditions or disabilities, and people who are eating or drinking at a restaurant, are exempt from the requirement.

The face coverings required by the new guidance may be homemade coverings such as scarves or bandanas; surgical or medical-grade masks are not required.

The guidance does not include information about enforcement measures or penalties.

Click here to read the full text of the new guidance.