(Fighting against New Coronary Pneumonia) San Francisco Bay Area begins to enforce orders to wear masks in public places
China News Agency, San Francisco, April 22 (Reporter Liu Guanguan) The counties in the San Francisco Bay Area began to enforce the order to wear masks in certain public places on the 22nd.
The San Francisco Chronicle reported that health officials in the counties of the San Francisco Bay Area announced the order to wear masks on the 17th, but postponed the enforcement time to the 22nd to allow people time to buy masks or materials for making masks. Starting from the 22nd, people enter the banks, clinics, grocery stores or pharmacies and other places to carry out the necessary activities, waiting or taking public transportation and entering public places such as government buildings must cover their faces. This order does not require residents to wear masks alone or with their families in their homes or cars. At the same time, it is not mandatory to wear masks when exercising outdoors or breathing fresh air.
San Francisco, Alameda, Marin, San Mateo and Conte Costa counties, and the city of Berkeley began enforcing masks on the same day. The compulsory order in Sonoma County has been in effect since the 17th. Health officials in Santa Clara County “strongly urged everyone to wear masks when going out for basic activities” last week, but did not force residents to wear masks. In addition, officials in Napa County are also considering enacting similar regulations.
Health officials said that the masks worn by residents do not necessarily have to reach the medical level, as long as they can be snugly attached to the nose and mouth, ordinary handkerchiefs, towels or scarves will do. Health officials strongly advise residents not to use medical masks in order to leave them to medical staff.
On the 22nd, the reporter saw in the Costco supermarket in San Mateo County that all staff and customers were wearing masks of various protection levels, and some people covered the mouth and nose with other materials. A staff member repeatedly used loudspeaker equipment to remind customers to wear masks and maintain "social distance".
Health officials said that wearing masks will become a part of the daily life of Bay Area residents. Even after the "home order" is relaxed, people may continue to wear masks. However, the command to wear a mask does not replace the "social distance" command. San Francisco Mayor London Breed said wearing masks is important, everyone should follow the rules, but they are not a substitute for "social distance", people still have to maintain distance to protect public health.
Commercial premises and public transportation are also required to post signs about wearing masks, and refuse to provide services for people who do not wear appropriate protective devices. (Finish)