Watsonville Can Now Ticket You For Not Wearing A Face Covering

WATSONVILLE, CA — The City of Watsonville may now issue fines to people who choose not to wear a mask in public.

The first offense is $100, second offense is $200 and the third offense will cost you $500. Previously, the face coverings order was punishable by a misdemeanor, which could be punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

The executive order was signed Monday by city officials. The order is in effect immediately, though the city council must ratify it soon.

"Having a high number of people in public without wearing a face covering seriously impedes efforts to stem the local transmission of COVID-19," the order states, noting that the number of Santa Cruz County cases is on the rise.

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors passed a similar order Tuesday that covered unincorporated Santa Cruz County.

Read: Mask Order Violators Can Be Cited In Unincorporated Santa Cruz County

Watsonville remains the epicenter of the outbreak in Santa Cruz County, where 1,196 COVID-19 cases had been reported as of Tuesday. Half of those cases — 597 — are in Watsonville.

"Together, we can slow the spread of COVID-19 and help keep Watsonville a safe place to live in," the city said.

Violations can be reported by calling 831-471-1151.

Read Watsonville's full order here.