New Statewide Face Covering Order

Today, the Office of the Governor released new guidance in response to the rise in cases for COVID-19. It now mandates that face coverings be worn by Californians in high-risk settings statewide, with some exceptions.

The mandate specifically requires that masks must be worn when engaged in work, whether at the workplace or performing work off-site, when:

• Interacting in-person with any member of the public;
• Working in any space visited by members of the public, regardless of whether anyone from the public is present at the time;
• Working in any space where food is prepared or packaged for sale or distribution to others;
• Working in or walking through common areas, such as hallways, stairways, elevators, and parking facilities;
• In any room or enclosed area where other people (except for members of the person’s own household or residence) are present when unable to physically distance.

The following individuals are exempt from wearing a face-covering:

• Persons who are engaged in outdoor work or recreation such as swimming, walking, hiking, bicycling, or running, when alone or with household members, AND when they are able to maintain a distance of at least six feet from others.

​Local orders that are more stringent would take precedence over the state order. Industry-specific guidance on the Governor’s COVID-19 page should be updated shortly with further clarity on construction sites, but as of reporting, there is no explicit exemption for construction on the mask requirement. 
 
All resources to help you comply with the state’s industry-specific guidance can be found on our COVID-19 website.