Face Coverings Required in Public

Face coverings help prevent people who may have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others.  Wearing your covering will protect those around you and theirs will protect you.  Wearing a mask is required state-wide in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Mask Up Porterville Flyer- English/Spanish

CDPH Guidance for use of Face Coverings

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WHAT IS A MASK?

A cloth face covering that covers the nose and mouth.  It can be made of a variety of materials, such as cotton, silk, or linen.  A cloth face covering may be factory-made or sewn by hand or can be improvised from household items such as scarfs, T-shirts, sweatshirts, or towels.  Leave the surgical masks and N95 masks for the medical professionals.

WHO NEEDS A MASK?

• Anyone going outside their home.
• Workers in customer-facing industries.
• Workers in offices, factories, or any group setting.
• Doctors, nurses, and health care professionals.
• Workers as dictated by CDPH industry guidance.

WHO SHOULDN'T WEAR A MASK?

• Children under 2 years old.
• Anyone with respiratory issues where it would impede breathing.
• Anyone unable to remove the mask without help.
• Anyone with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that does not allow them to wear a mask.

WHEN SHOULD YOU WEAR A MASK?

Whenever you'll be around someone you don't live with, including:

• In any indoor public space.
• When waiting in line.
• When getting health care.
• On public transportation or when ride-sharing.
• At work, when near others or moving through common areas.
• Outdoors, if you can't stay 6 feet away from others.

WHEN CAN YOU TAKE YOUR MASK OFF?

• When eating or drinking.
• If a hearing-impaired person needs to read your lips.
• If wearing a face covering imposes a risk to you at work- example, if it could get caught in machinery.
• When you're not sharing a common area, room, or encloses space with others.
• When you are getting a service to the nose or face.
• When outdoors in public and can stay 6 feet from others.

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HELPFUL TIPS

• Wear a clean mask every time you go out. Wash in the laundry or by hand between uses.
• Avoid wearing your mask under your nose or just on your chin.  A mask is only effective if it covers both ways you breathe.
• Don't touch the front of your mask.  Adjusting your mask contaminates the surface and lets germs in.
• Put your mask on before leaving home and keep it on until you get back.