Going Outside? Ordering Takeout? Masks Mandatory In Laguna Beach

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Ordering takeout? Going to the grocery store? If so, take your mask, the city of Laguna Beach says.

Laguna Beach City Manager John Pietig issued a revised Emergency Order this week requiring all customers wear face coverings when entering or remaining in Essential Businesses to provide additional protection for workers and the general public from the spread of COVID-19.

Individuals who work or provide services at Essential Businesses are already required to wear face coverings while performing their work following the first Emergency Order issued by the City Manager on April 9.

The revised Emergency Order takes effect on Thursday, April 16, 2020 at midnight, and states all Essential Businesses and Services within the City shall require their customers and workers wear cloth face coverings that shield their noses and mouths while at the Essential Business.

Essential Businesses include grocery stores, pharmacies, home improvement stores, gas station convenience stores, restaurants providing takeout or delivery services, banks, savings and loans, credit unions, and construction sites.

Face coverings, such as scarves (dense fabric, without holes), bandanas, neck gaiter, or other fabric face coverings are allowed. All persons, including Essential Workers, are discouraged from using medical grade personal protective equipment, such as N95 masks, for non-medical reasons. Essential businesses must also continue to implement physical distancing measures for employees, customers, and maintain proper sanitation at all times or the facility shall be closed.

All residents of the City are strongly urged to wear face coverings over their nose and mouth whenever they are in close proximity to others in public and private areas who are not members of their household.

The California Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all persons wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

On April 8, 2020, the Orange County Public Health Officer also issued a recommendation strongly encouraging Essential Workers to wear non-medical grade masks or face coverings while at work to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“The City of Laguna Beach is taking every measure we can to protect our residents, Essential Workers and businesses from the spread of COVID-19,” said Laguna Beach City Manager John Pietig. “We appreciate the public’s efforts to help us flatten the curve together.”

A full copy of the City Manager’s Emergency Order can be found HERE.