Effective April 22, 2020, Six Bay Area counties will require all individuals to wear a face covering when leaving their home or when out obtaining essential goods. Additionally, all “essential businesses” will need to require that employees wear face coverings at the workplace when the employee’s job includes interacting with members of the public and preparing or packaging food. A face covering need not be a medical-grade face mask, it can be any scarf, bandana, or other homemade covering so long as it covers the nose and mouth area.
In addition to general social distancing protocols, essential businesses need to take reasonable measures, such as posting signs and reminding customers and the public of the requirement that they wear face coverings while inside or waiting in line to enter the business.
Failure to comply with Face Covering Order requirements may be punishable as a misdemeanor, with violations carrying a fine up to $1,000, imprisonment up to 90 days, or both! If you have any questions regarding your Bay Area County’s Order related to mandatory face coverings, social distancing protocols or whether you are an “essential business” and how these Orders affect your business or the implementation of social distancing protocols, please contact the Employer Lawyers at Chauvel & Glatt.
The material in this article, provided by Chauvel & Glatt, is designed to provide informative and current information as of the date of the post. It should not be considered, nor is it intended to constitute, legal advice or promise similar outcomes. For information on your particular circumstances, please contact Chauvel & Glatt at 650-573-9500. (photo credit: 123rf.com)
