Environmental Health Bureau to conduct mask enforcement in unincorporated Monterey County

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION) The Monterey County Health Department said the Environmental Health Bureau will be checking in at businesses in unincorporated areas to enforce mask ordinances.

The EHB conducts heath inspections and environmental inspections at more than 6,000 regulated businesses, but now it has the authority to enforce face covering violations by giving out fines.

The goal is to emphasize education and outreach, but if a businesses continues to violate orders, the health department said they will be subject to citations. The fines are $100 for the first violation, $200 for the second and $500 after that.

If a food facility is not in compliance, it could face suspension of its health permit to operate.

The health department said the EHB will have face coverings to give to employees or members of the public who do not have one.

Site visits will begin on Sept. 1.

To submit a complaint to EHB, call 831-755-4505.