Alameda County Enforcing Mask Requirements Starting Wednesday

ALAMEDA COUNTY, CA — On April 17, Alameda County issued an order requiring all visitors and employees at essential businesses to wear face coverings or masks. On Wednesday, April 22 the grace period ends, and anyone who is not wearing a mask in public could end up facing a fine, or even imprisonment.

Under the order, face coverings are required:

• Inside or waiting outside to enter an essential business like a grocery store
• When visiting a doctor or other health care provider
• Riding a bus, ride share or other public transportation
• While working at an essential business

Masks are not required

• If you are alone or with members of your household
• If you have trouble breathing or cannot remove a face covering without assistance.
• If you have been advised not to by a medical professional
• On children 12 years old or younger

Children under two should not wear masks as they represent a serious suffocation hazard.

Businesses can and are encouraged to deny service to anyone who is not wearing the required face coverings.

The coverings can be a simple cloth mask, t-shirt, bandanna or other face covering . Surgical masks and other medical equipment should be reserved for medical professionals who need them most.

The surgeon general has posted a video teaching residents an easy way to make their own face coverings:

The full order requiring masks can be found here. More information, frequently asked questions and guidance from the county can be found here.