City of Salinas issues emergency order requiring face coverings
SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) -- UPDATED 7/7/20 Cities across the Central Coast are cracking down on people not wearing masks. The city of Salinas issued an emergency face covering order Monday with plans to enforce the requirement.
Salinas Police and the city’s Code Enforcement Department will be working together to make sure people wear their face coverings. If they don’t, they could face fines of up to $1,000 dollars.
Masks have been required in public Monterey County since the end of April. But now the city of Salinas is taking a more aggressive approach to protect the community and stop the spread of the virus with local case numbers on the rise.
Those who don’t wear a face covering could get a citation and have to pay a fine. The first violation will cost you $100 dollars, the second $500 and after that, a $1,000 fine.
City Manager Ray Corpuz said that while education and voluntary compliance are preferred, they will enforce the order.
“The numbers are dramatically increasing and we want to be sure that we address that. One of the tools we have is to make sure there’s a consequence if you’re not following all of the guidance that’s available and required,” Corpuz said.
Salinas represents nearly 60 percent of total confirmed cases in Monterey County.
Health experts say face coverings, along with physical distancing and frequent hand washing can reduce the spread of the virus.
The city will still follow the state’s exemptions for the facial covering order so if you have a medical reason or are exercising, you don’t have to wear a mask.
PREVIOUS STORY 7/6/20:
The City of Salinas is now requiring residents to wear face coverings "throughout the city" to curb the city's growing coronavirus caseload.
In a statement, City Manager Ray Corpuz says failure to do so within CDPH guidelines will result in a $100 fine.
"Unfortunately not everyone is following the advice and wearing a face covering," says Corpuz. "The city must protect its residents and with this order law enforcement departments can cite anyone, without warning."
Social distancing protocols are also to continue as businesses and residents are asked to follow the six-feet rule when outdoors or inside local businesses.
City order on face coverings can be read here: https://files.constantcontact.com/6ca15f1f301/864cf473-aa75-4ce4-98c8-642af6c5d438.pdf
Guidelines on face covering orders are found at the following link: https://files.constantcontact.com/6ca15f1f301/79d2c11b-26c7-4cff-bc96-b5bb7a04a668.pdf?fbclid=IwAR0IfiPnOA7frrqaJoACn_mOLEziPLThncZETDtTx_RUw6tMp02DCVBYFmo
