San Diego County Makes Face Coverings Mandatory: Coronavirus

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — Officials issued a new public health order Friday requiring San Diego County residents to wear face coverings amid the coronavirus pandemic.

San Diego is joining other cities and counties across the state that have made face coverings mandatory in public settings as officials explore ways to ease restrictions while still working to slow the spread of the virus.

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The new health order requires residents to wear a face covering when they leave their homes and are within 6 feet of non-household members, Supervisor Nathan Fletcher said.

"We believe this is going to be a part of life in the new normal," Fletcher said.

"Until such time when we have a vaccine or a widely available therapeutic drug, there are going to be parts of life that are going to change. Getting in the habit of having a face covering when you leave your house — that's going to be part of the change."

The county had already issued an order that required employees of essential businesses who interact with the public to wear face coverings. Health officials had previously only strongly recommended face coverings for other members of the public.

National City was the first city in the county to require face coverings in public. Chula Vista had also since mandated face coverings.

"We believe we are now at the point where it is most appropriate to have a consistent approach throughout San Diego County," Fletcher said.

The health order will go into effect May 1 to allow people time to prepare, but officials encouraged residents to begin wearing face coverings immediately.

Also see:

• California Coronavirus: Latest Updates On Cases, Orders, Closures
• Coronavirus In San Diego County: Latest News
• San Diego Residents Urged To 'Stay The Course' Following Protests
• 7 More Deaths As Coronavirus Cases Surpass 2,000 In San Diego
• Coronavirus Cases Surpass 1,000 Milestone In San Diego County
• Face Coverings Urged As Coronavirus Cases Rise In San Diego
• San Diego Authorities To Crack Down On Stay-At-Home Violators