Politics & Government
Mask Order Violators Can Be Cited In Unincorporated Santa Cruz Co
Shirking the health order could cost you $100 for the first offense under a new ordinance approved Tuesday by the Board of Supervisors.
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — Those who ignore the county's face covering order in unincorporated Santa Cruz County can now be fined, the County Board of Supervisors unanimously decided Tuesday.
The new ordinance allows officers or designated government employees to issue citations to those who violate a state or local health order, the county announced in a news release. Previously the order was enforced through misdemeanors, which can mean a fine of up to $1,000 and six months in jail.
The citations would cost $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second offense and $500 for the third offense within that calendar year.
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"The lower level of enforcement allows law enforcement officers and administrative staff to support community health and safety by quickly addressing situations without escalating them into court cases or arrests," the county said in the news release.
The decision was in response to an uptick in infection rates and hospitalizations. The county reminds people to wash hands, avoid group gatherings and maintain six feet of distance from those outside of your household.
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Read the county's health order here.
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