SB County’s new mask mandate takes effect Tuesday
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. - Santa Barbara County's new temporary health officer order requires masks or face coverings in several situations.
The new order, which was announced last Friday, took effect at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
“This is a tool in the toolbox that will help keep the community safe,” Second District Supervisor Gregg Hart said Tuesday.
People will be required to wear face coverings when inside of, in line to enter, or when conducting business through a car window or walk-up counter. This includes restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies and government agencies, as well as hospitals, dentist offices and COVID-19 testing facilities.
The mandate also includes car services, ride-sharing services and public transit.
All businesses are also required to have employees wear face coverings in the workplace or off site workspace.
Face masks are not required for people who work alone, or work in private offices or single rooms. The mandate also does not apply to people with health conditions that would make wearing a mask difficult, or children under the age of 13.
Restaurants began to offer dine-in service, with some modifications, across the County last week as more businesses reopen.
“Now, as the opportunity presents itself—more shopping, more restaurant dining interactions—people will be mixing more,” Hart said. “And there’s the potential for the spread of the virus. And one of the best tools to reduce that spread is by wearing face coverings.”
Local medical experts agree.
“Masking is incredible important,” said Sansum Clinic Medical Director Dr. Marjorie Newman. “Not only does it potentially protect the person who is wearing it, but more importantly, it protects the community… because you could potentially be transmitting [COVID-19] and not even know it."
Dr. Newman acknowledges that even as more people are interacting now, not everyone is following the proper health guidelines.
“I think people are becoming a little bit more complacent,” she said. “I think that is a worry to all of us in the medical profession… we’ve seen success in our community, and our hope is that we could continue that. And I realize that it’s difficult, but really, masking—it’s really the best thing you can do for your community, for your loved ones, to prevent the spread of the virus.”
While some may be complacent, others disagree with the health officer order, saying it violates their rights.
Hart urged those who are hesitant or resistant to wear masks while interacting in close proximity with others to think about loved ones or those who are more vulnerable to COVID-19.
“So it’s really a matter of respect and care for other people,” he said. “By putting a face covering on, you’re stopping the virus from spreading beyond you.”
For a complete list of requirements and exclusions, as well as solutions for people who do not have a mask, click here.
The health order is tentatively set to run until June 30.
