As California continues its re-opening under the new four-tier color-coded system announced by Governor Newsom on August 28th Click Here,
and an increasing number of Californians are leaving their homes, it is important to remember that this gradual re-opening will only be successful if people follow existing social distancing and face covering guidelines.
As you may recall, face coverings were made mandatory for all Californians back in early summer. At that point, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued guidelines mandating that face coverings must be worn state-wide under certain circumstances and only with limited exceptions.
On June 29th, the CDHP issued an updated Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings. The Updated Guidance provides details about the use of face coverings. Below is a summary of the most salient points.
Face Coverings Must be Worn When:
- Inside or in line to enter any public space;
- Obtaining services from a healthcare provider;
- Waiting for or riding on public transportation;
- Driving any public transportation vehicle, private car service of ride-sharing vehicle when others are inside;
- While outdoors in public spaces where maintaining six feet physical distance is not feasible; and
- Engaging in work, whether at the workplace or offsite, when:
- interacting with any member of the public;
- while walking through common areas such as hallways, elevators and parking lots;
- in any room where others are present and unable to social distance; and
- working in a space where food is prepared or packaged for sale.
Exceptions: The Guidance exempts certain persons from the face covering requirement, including:
- Children younger than two;
- Persons with health conditions that prevents the wearing of a face covering;
- Persons who are incarcerated;
- Persons who are seated at a restaurant while they are eating or drinking; and
- Persons who are engaged in outdoor work or recreation when they are able to maintain six feet distance from others.
The Guidance also provides advice on the wearing of and caring for face coverings. The updated Guidance can be found here.
If you have any questions about the matters discussed in this issue of Compliance Matters, please call your firm contact at 818-508-3700 or visit us online at www.brgslaw.com.
Sincerely,
Richard S. Rosenberg
Katherine A. Hren
Elsa Banuelos
Ballard Rosenberg Golper & Savitt, LLP
