Contra Costa County Shoppers Must Wear Masks Starting Wednesday

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — Starting 8 a.m. Wednesday all visitors and employees at essential businesses must wear face coverings, or face a fine and possibly even go to jail. The order also requires masks for anyone riding a bus or other public transit, and everyone visiting a health care provider.

Businesses are also being asked to post signs about the mask requirements, remind customers and visitors about the masks and to not serve anyone who disobeys the order. Employees at essential businesses do not need to wear masks if they work alone, but must put them on if they are interacting with any coworkers or customers.

In the release announcing the move Contra Costa County health officer Dr. Chris Farnitano said the regulation is necessary to stop asymptomatic carriers from spreading the disease to others:

"We now know that a significant number of people with COVID-19 lack symptoms, or become infectious before they start showing symptoms, that is why we all need to start wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where it's sometimes hard to maintain physical distancing, such as standing in line at the store."

Danville police are reminding everyone not to use masks on children under age 2, and not to use surgical masks or other medical equipment: a simple cloth mask, t-shirt, bandanna or other face covering will suffice.

Residents are also asked to put on masks in public spaces if they move withing six feet of another person for any reason. Masks are not necessary inside your own homes or around residents of your household. Children 12 and under are not required to wear masks.

Under the order, anyone who refuses to wear a mask is considered an imminent threat and could face a fine, and possibly even imprisonment.

Residents can find the full health order here. More information on the announcement can also be found on Contro Costa Health Service's website here.