Contra Costa Supervisors Approve Face Mask Violation Fines

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA –The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors approved new rules on Tuesday establishing administrative fines for people who violate public health orders regarding face coverings, social distancing and gatherings.

For health order violations involving non-commercial activities, a person could be fined $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second violation, and $500 for each additional violation within one year of the initial violation.

For commercial activity violations, the amount of the fine is $250 for a first violation, $500 for a second violation, and $1,000 for each additional violation within one year of the initial violation.

If a violation continues for more than one day, each day is considered a separate violation.

“We’re not doing it to make money, we’re not doing this to control people,” said Supervisor Diane Burgis. “We’re trying to get control over this disease and get our economy back.”

The ordinance authorizes enforcement officers designated by the Director of Health Services, the Director of Conservation and Development, and the Sheriff to enforce the ordinance.

On July 14, the board decided to pursue the ordinance, in order augment the ability of the county and local agencies to ensure residents comply with public health orders in place in order to combat the spread of the coronavirus.