Effective at 7 a.m. May 26, face coverings will be required for all individuals 12 years of age and older in all indoor public commercial facilities, including libraries and public transit. This follows a 4-3 vote along party lines by county commissioners May 21.
The face covering provision does not apply in the following places or situations:
- While eating in any restaurant.
- For reasons related to any individual’s medical condition, disability or religious beliefs.
- In private offices.
- In areas of retail establishments, businesses and restaurants that are not open to the public.
- When complying with directions of law enforcement officers.
- During any worship, religious and spiritual gatherings, funeral ceremonies, wedding ceremonies and other activities constituting the exercise of First Amendment rights.
- In settings where it is not practical or feasible to wear a face covering when obtaining or rendering goods or services.
Guidelines for wearing a face covering include:
- It must cover both the mouth and nose.
- It must be snug.
- Don’t touch a face covering while wearing it or, if you do, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
- When removing, do so by lifting ear loops or ties without touching the front of mask or your face and wash your hands afterwards.
- Wash the face covering with soap and water regularly or in the washing machine with other clothes.
- Do not put a face covering on anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious or otherwise unable to remove their own mask, or on children under 2 years of age.
- Do not use them as a substitute for social distancing, hand washing or staying home when sick.