UPDATE: Stanislaus County will require face masks. Newsom issues a statewide order
Stanislaus County officials are developing a coronavirus health order that will make face coverings mandatory for residents.
Kristin Olsen, chairwoman of the Board of Supervisors, disclosed the county’s plans during Wednesday’s update on the Stanemergency Facebook page. The county will implement the mandatory face covering order Monday. Details will be provided to the public by Friday, Olsen said.
Olsen said the county hoped to release details of the order earlier. But the county is making sure the rules are consistent with state guidance.
On Thursday, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration released a statewide order that Californians wear a face covering to help prevent outbreaks of COVID-19 illness.
Under the state order, face coverings must be worn in stores or any “indoor public space,” while at work, when visiting the doctors office or pharmacy, riding public transportation or talking with other people in public.
The state Department of Public Health said the new state order has limited exceptions. Masks are not required for children younger than 2 years old or for people with medical, mental health or developmental disabilities that prevent them from wearing one.
A mask can be removed during a teeth cleaning or other service for the mouth or nose, a state press release said.
People don’t have to wear a mask when eating at a restaurant or swimming, walking, running, cycling or doing other exercise.
When combined with social distancing and hand washing, the state’s top officials hope face coverings will mean fewer people come down with COVID-19 illness.
‘They are a small sacrifice’
Olsen said she realizes there’s a difference of opinion about requiring face masks. She noted that masks are intended to keep the wearer from spreading the coronavirus to other people. An infected person can spread the virus before symptoms appear.
Olsen gave two main reasons for implementing a mandatory order. It will help safeguard public health and also enable the county’s public health officer to approve the reopening of more businesses and activities.
“While face coverings may be uncomfortable and inconvenient, they are a small sacrifice in comparison to protecting other people’s health and revitalizing our economy,” Olsen said.
Health experts at the state, local and international level agree face masks are an important tool in reducing the spread of COVID-19, Olsen said.
Sheriff, police chief weigh in
One important detail is how the order will be enforced. Sheriff Jeff Dirkse and Modesto Police Chief Galen Carroll told The Modesto Bee that they have no plans to enforce it.
Dirkse said the expectation is that business owners and managers will require patrons to wear masks.
“My position hasn’t changed on any of this for three months,” Dirkse said. “I’m not making a criminal out of someone over this.”
Carroll said face-covering violators who are told to leave the premises by a business owner would be treated like other “low priority” trespassing calls.
“A person not wearing a mask and refusing to leave a business would be handled the same as it is now for a person refusing to leave a business,” Carroll said. “If they refuse and the business owner or manager wants to have them arrested for trespassing, we will accept their arrest and go from there.”
Plans for peace officers
Carroll said he will direct officers to wear masks on calls and during citizen contacts. Dirkse said he will wait for the order to come out before making that determination for deputies.
Stanislaus County has watched COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations sharply increase since the reopening process began May 20, including a one-day jump of 102 cases Sunday. The county’s latest numbers Wednesday showed 55 new cases.
The county has delayed the opening of personal services like nail salons, tattoo shops and massage therapy until more is known about the recent spikes in coronavirus illness. The county still has a goal of opening those establishments by July 1, Olsen said.
This story was originally published June 17, 2020 at 8:10 PM with the headline "UPDATE: Stanislaus County will require face masks. Newsom issues a statewide order."
