Yes. Large amounts of research show that wearing a mask helps protect you from the coronavirus and it helps prevent you from transmitting it to someone else.
As of June 18, Californians must wear face coverings or masks in public or high-risk places, including when shopping, taking public transit or seeking medical care. The guidance was announced by Gov. Gavin Newsom to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. It mandates the use of cloth face coverings by the general public statewide when outside the home, with limited exceptions.
According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), research shows that people with no or few symptoms of novel coronavirus (also known as asymptomatic) can still spread the disease. The agency added that face coverings, combined with social distancing and good hand washing practices, will reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The new requirements include mandatory face coverings or masks in situations such as:
- Inside or waiting to enter any indoor public space
- Obtaining health care services
- Waiting in line or riding in public transportation or ride-sharing services
- At work in public spaces and while walking through common spaces
- While outdoors when maintaining a physical distance of 6 feet or more isn’t possible
There are some exceptions to the mandate, which are listed on the CDPH’s website. Children ages 2 and under, and people with a medical, mental health or a developmental disability that prevent them wearing a face covering, are among those exempted.
See our 5 tips to wear and care for your cloth face covering