California requiring face-mask use for most public activities

California said it will now require the use of face coverings for most public activities, according to the state's COVID-19 website on Thursday. "Over the last four months, we have learned a lot about COVID-19 transmission, most notably that people who are infected but are asymptomatic or presymptomatic play an important part in community spread," the California Department of Public Health said in a statement. "The use of face coverings by everyone can limit the release of infected droplets when talking, coughing, and/or sneezing, as well as reinforce physical distancing." Masks will be required of those who are waiting in line to enter a public space and who are inside any indoor public space, who are visiting the doctor or any healthcare facility, who are taking any kind of public transportation, or who are at work where they interact with the public, the state said. Children aged two and under are exempt because of a suffocation risk, as well as those with a medical condition that prevents a covering. Also, those who are eating or drinking at an outdoor establishment, or are exercising outdoors, where they are able to practice social distancing of at least six feet, are exempt.

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