Health Officer Order Issued to Align with State's Mandate for Face Coverings

COVID-19 Update

The County Health Officer Dr. Henning Ansorg, M.D. has issued Health Officer Order No. 2020-10.1 ordering individuals in the County of Santa Barbara to wear face coverings when in high-risk situations that may contribute to the spread of COVID-19. This Order will be effective starting 5:00 p.m. (PDT) July 23, 2020, continuing until 5:00 p.m. (PDT), on August 20, 2020 or until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended in writing by the County of Santa Barbara Health Officer (“Health Officer”).

The intent of this Order is to provide clarity on when face coverings should be worn and to be aligned with the California Department of Public Health’s mandated guidelines.

The new order stipulates the following:

  1. This Order does not apply to persons younger than two years old.
  2. Masks with one-way valves cannot be used to comply with this Order. These types of masks permit respiratory droplets to easily escape which places others at risk.
  3. All individuals, unless an exception applies, must wear a face covering:  a)When inside of or in line to enter any and all businesses b) When using public transportation, a private car service, or a ride-sharing vehicle. Drivers must wear a face covering while driving or operating vehicles regardless of whether a member of the public is in the vehicle. c)All businesses must require employees, contractors, owners, and volunteers to wear a face covering at the workplace and at off-site work locations.

Exceptions, guidelines, and information relative to this order can be found in the full Health officer Order located here.

PHD