Mayor Steinberg wants masks required in public when Sacramento stay-at-home order eased
Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg called on county health officials Tuesday to require residents to wear masks in public when the county allows more businesses to reopen following the coronavirus shut down.
“The mask issue has been voluntary in Sacramento County and I understand that,” Steinberg said Tuesday during a Facebook live video. “But as we transition and as we open back up, it is going to be even more important that when we are out in public that we have that extra layer of protection, not just for ourselves but for each other, and wear masks.
“And I am going to call on our county health officials to change that mask order, the mask issue, from voluntary to mandatory.”
The request follows Gov. Gavin Newsom’s announcement Monday that certain types of businesses, such as clothing stores, florists, and book stores could reopen Friday for curbside pickup if certain specifications are met.
Steinberg said requiring masks at the same time the order is loosened, whether that’s Friday or next week, will help the area avoid a spike in cases.
“The worst scenario would be to open up in a way that was not fully cognizant of the continued risk and then to see a spike, a hospital surge, more people getting sick, more people dying,” Steinberg said. “Only to have a stay-at-home order reimbursed in an even stricter fashion and for a longer period of time.”
Los Angeles has required people to wear face coverings when visiting essential businesses and in certain other public settings since April 10. San Francisco followed suit April 17. Those orders have exceptions, such as for people who are exercising alone.
It is mandatory in Yolo County to wear masks or face coverings in public or while working at an essential job.
