Certain Employees at Some Essential Businesses Must Wear Face Coverings Effective Friday, April 24(Santa Ana, CA) — Effective at 12 a.m. on Friday, April 24, 2020, all employees of any grocery store, pharmacy/drug store, convenience store, gas station, restaurant, food preparation establishment, or retail store in Orange County who may have contact with the public must wear a cloth face covering while at work.The Orange County Board of Supervisors today approved the directive from Vice Chairman Andrew Do, First District Supervisor, pursuant to Government Code section 8634 that will apply countywide.“My directive is in line with face coverings guidance issued by the California Department of Public Health on April 1, 2020, and is intended to help slow the spread of COVID-19 by those who are asymptomatic. It is a strong step in the right direction,” said Vice Chairman Do.Employees must comply with this regulation for the health and safety of all in the community as it is enforceable by law enforcement per Government Code section 8665.Though the regulation issued by the Board today does not apply to customers, County Health Officer Dr. Nichole Quick continues to strongly encourage residents to wear face coverings while engaged in essential activities outside the home. “Residents can make their own face coverings at home from a variety of materials and should refrain from purchasing personal protective equipment that is critical and in short supply for our healthcare workers, such as N95 and surgical masks,” said Dr. Quick.If a city has a more restrictive rule regarding face coverings, the more restrictive rule will apply to their jurisdiction. For more information about COVID-19, please visit www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus.###
