San Benito County face covering order goes into effect

SAN BENITO COUNTY, Calif. (KION) UPDATE 04/27/20 San Benito County residents must now wear face coverings to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

The order went into effect Monday morning and requires that people wear face coverings, like cloth masks or bandanas, while out in public doing essential activities.

This includes going to the grocery store or other essential businesses.

Mayor Ignacio Velasquez said he found a lot of people were complying with the face covering order in Hollister.

“If we all wear them, it’s going to reduce the spread of the virus,” Velazquez said.

Local health officials say masks help keep people’s germs to themselves.

KION found most people wearing handmade cloth masks, surgical masks or bandanas around Hollister Monday afternoon. But those that don’t comply, could face citations or fines.

The county currently has three active cases and 48 confirmed cases in total, but in a larger scope, San Benito County has a higher case rate by population than Santa Cruz and Monterey counties.

“We’re only about 60,000 people so we’re still pretty high," San Benito County PIO David Westrick said.

The San Benito County Sheriff’s Office said they haven’t had to cite or arrest anyone for violation of the shelter-in-place order and they hope that will be the same for the face covering order.

Their main goal is to get compliance through education but if people refuse to put on a mask at businesses, and authorities are called out, that person could face penalties

“We’re really looking at our office to treat it the same as if somebody refused to put on a shirt or shoes to go into a business," Captain Eric Taylor said. "If we didn’t get that compliance, it would turn into a refusing to leave or a trespassing issue.”

Captain Taylor said that could mean citations, possible court appearance and fines down the road. Those fines are set by judges and the courts.

Businesses can also refuse service to people who don’t wear masks or refuse to comply.

But Mayor Velazquez is hopeful people will comply and the face coverings will help bring numbers down.

“Once we see that, then we could be more comfortable in starting to open up in a safe manner because we need to get people back to work,” Velazquez said.

KION is told the possibility of re-opening will likely be discussed at Tuesday's San Benito County Board of Supervisors meeting.

UPDATE 04/26/20 7:15 p.m. San Benito County residents will have to start wearing face coverings starting Monday morning to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

The health officer issued the order on Friday, and it applies to anyone going out into the public to perform essential activities.

These face coverings can be homemade. Officials are discouraging the use of N-95 masks or surgical masks.

You can use a t-shirt, a bandana or anything that covers the nose and mouth. You should still practice social distancing.

PREVIOUS STORY: San Benito County Public Health Officer Dr. Marty Fenstersheib has issued an order requiring residents to wear face coverings in public starting Monday at 8 a.m.

The county emphasizes that this is in addition to the Shelter in Place, social distancing guidelines and frequent hand washing.

The health officer decided to issue the order because recent studies show that people with COVID-19 can give the virus to others before they show symptoms or without ever showing symptoms.

“As the COVID-19 situation evolves, we continuously reassess our policies and procedures to protect our residents. Due to continued community spread of COVID-19 across our region, we are starting mandatory
facial coverings for everyone going out into the public to perform essential activities,” Dr. Fenstersheib said.

Health officials said COVID-19 is spread through droplets that are produced when someone who is infected coughs, sneezes or talks and lands in the mouths or noses of people nearby. Face coverings can reduce the release of the droplets into the air and potentially slow the spread of the virus.

The county does not recommend using medical masks, such as N95 or surgical masks, because they are needed for healthcare workers and first responders. Homemade face coverings can be used.

Those participating in outdoor activities are not required to wear face coverings, but still need to practice social distancing. Those using public transit, rideshare services or private vehicles with people who are not members of the same household are still required to wear face coverings. Children 12 and younger or people who are having trouble breathing or are unconscious are not required to wear them. Because of the risk of suffocation, children 2 and younger should not wear face coverings.

A face covering must cover the nose and mouth and be secured around the head with ties or straps or wrapped around the lower part of the face.

The coverings can be factory-made or hand sewn using a variety of materials. Bandanas, scarves, T-shirts and other fabric items can also be used.

The coverings ideally should be washed after every use using detergent and hot water. They should also be dried on the hot cycle.

Read the full face covering order below.