On June 18, 2020, Governor Newsom in accordance with Executive Order N-25-20 ordered the mandatory use of face coverings (with limited exceptions) in accordance with Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). While the Guidance applies to the general public when outside the home, employers may be wondering how it affects their businesses. Here are a few highlights from this Guidance:

• Californians must wear face coverings when outside the home and in spaces generally open to the public, such as restaurants when not eating or drinking and able to socially distance, grocery stores, malls, and healthcare facilities (unless directed otherwise by an employee or healthcare provider).
• They must also wear face coverings 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 Guidance also lays out a number of exceptions, including for children under the age of 2, persons with certain medical conditions or disabilities, persons for whom wearing a face covering would create a risk to the person related to their work (as determined by local, state, or federal regulators or workplace safety guidelines), and persons engaged in outdoor work or recreation when able to socially distance.

Finally, the Guidance provides information regarding appropriate face coverings, their purpose, and how to care for them.

If you have questions regarding the CDPH’s Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings as it applies to your business, please contact counsel.

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