Face Coverings Incredibly Important as COVID-19 Increases
Sharp rise in rates and hospitalizations
As we start a weekend, let's all remember the importance of wearing face coverings.
Contra Costa County is seeing a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, as well as an increase to nearly 8% in the percentage of people testing positive. The greatest increases are in West County.
We must take this news seriously, or things will get worse.
This means wearing face coverings, washing hands often, 6 feet social distancing, staying home if we have symptoms, and getting tested.
I realize there are many conflicting messages about face coverings and it's easy to get confused.
I'd like to spell out what our County requires, which is based on the
best available science and data. This week our County made sure our face covering rules match those of the state, to help reduce confusion.
(New face covering health order in
English and in
Spanish.)
Here are the requirements:
Face coverings are required whenever you're less than 6 feet away from anyone who isn't in your immediate household (people you live with).
Required when inside or on the grounds of, or waiting in line to enter any business.
Businesses must take all reasonable steps to prohibit anyone who isn't wearing a face covering from entering, not serve people without masks, and have people without face coverings leave.
Children under age 2 are exempt, along with people with some medical conditions where face coverings present a health risk.
For comprehensive information see the County's COVID19 FAQ's in English and in Spanish.
Living with this pandemic is stressful and challenging for all of us. But we flattened the curve once, and I know we can do so again through our combined efforts to protect ourselves and others.
This virus has no cure or vaccine and is deadly to some people, particularly seniors and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Serious COVID-19 illness and deaths will continue to rise unless we all take prevention steps.
