What The State's New Mask Rules Mean For Los Angeles County

LOS ANGELES, CA — Facing a dramatic spike in the coronavirus outbreak, California is requiring everyone to wear a mask or face-covering at all times outside the home when within six feet of people from other households. The statewide order largely mirrors that of Los Angeles city and county health officials, and most LA County residents are accustomed to wearing masks in public.

On a busy city street or in a busy shopping center parking lot, everyone should be masked, according to both state and Los Angeles County regulations.

According to the Los Angeles Department of Public Health, residents "should use a clean face covering anytime they will be in contact with other people who are not household members in public or private spaces....If you are in a solitary area you do not need to wear a face covering.""

The revised state guidance issued Monday states that residents "must wear face coverings when they are outside the home," unless they are more than six feet away from other people.

Similarly, the state allows residents to remove their masks when no one is around. People who are outdoors but not close to anyone else do not have to wear a mask, but they must have one with them to put on in case they come within six feet of other people. The rules apply to anyone aged 2 or older, but exempt people with specific medical conditions and those who are hearing impaired or communicating with a hearing-impaired person.

• people in a car alone or with members of their own household;
• people working along in an office or room;
• people who are "actively eating or drinking"; and
• workers who must wear respiratory protection.

In Los Angeles County:

• Masks with one way valves should not be used
• Individuals who are exempt from wearing a face covering due to a medical condition and
• who are employed in a job involving regular contact with others must wear an alternative such as a face shield with a drape on the bottom edge.
• Those instructed not to wear a cloth face covering by a medical provider are exempt from
• having to wear one

The state has long called on residents to wear face coverings in public, particularly while in close contact with others. The new rules broaden previous guidance that provided recommendations on when people should wear masks.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.