What states require coronavirus face masks in public?

[Pete]

Not a single red state 

 

Federal health officials now advise wearing a homemade face mask while in public, recently changing the guidelines in a bid to protect more Americans from contracting the novel coronavirus. But in some states, a face covering of some kind is no longer an option: it’s a requirement -- if you’re going out in public, at least.

As the epidemic of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, continues to overwhelm America’s health care workers who grapple to treat the worst patients, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) earlier this month changed its guidelines to urge citizens to do their part in stopping the spread, which now includes protecting your face with some type of cloth covering when you step out of the safety of your home to restock on essential goods.

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE

The CDC only recently changed its recommendations “in light of new evidence” that shows “a significant portion” of those with the novel virus is either asymptomatic -- meaning they lack symptoms altogether -- or presymptomatic, meaning they can spread the virus to others without first showing signs of it themselves.

“This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity -- for example, speaking, coughing or sneezing -- even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms,” the CDC stated in its updated guidelines.

A facial covering -- not to be confused with a surgical mask or an N95 respirator, both of which are in low supply and should be reserved for frontline medical workers -- can be made from a few simple items likely found around your home, no sewing required. You can find an easy how-to here.

Read on for a look at what states have issued executive orders mandating that face masks be worn while in public.

Connecticut

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont issued an executive order mandating some type of face mask for everyone over the age of 2, effective beginning April 20.

“Any person in a public place in Connecticut who is unable to or does not maintain a safe social distance of approximately six feet from every other person shall cover their mouth and nose with a mask or cloth face-covering,” the order reads.

The coverings are also required when using public transportation or when riding in a taxi, Uber or another ride-sharing service.

Additionally, essential employees -- those who cannot work from home -- are also required to wear a face mask or face covering.

Hawaii

Beginning April 20, Hawaii residents must wear a face covering “while waiting to enter and while at an essential business or operation,” according to the order from Gov. David Ige.

“All employees of essential businesses or operations who have any contact with customers or goods to be purchased shall wear the cloth face-covering recommended by the CDC while at their place of employment,” the order states.

Maryland 

In Maryland, Gov. Larry Hogan issued an executive order that mandates citizens to wear a face covering while using public transportation in the state. Residents over the age of 9 are also required to wear a mask or covering when shopping in essential “retail or food service” establishments. The same applies to staff members at essential businesses.

Additionally, adults “shall use reasonable efforts” to have any children between the ages of 2 and 9 who accompany them during outings to use face masks or coverings, as per the order.

New Jersey 

Similar to other states, New Jersey also requires its residents to wear a face covering while in public.

In an executive order that took effect April 8, Gov. Phil Murphy said employees and customers at essential businesses must wear them, as must anyone working for or using New Jersey public transportation.

New York 

Effective April 17, New Yorkers over the age of 2 and “medically able to tolerate a face covering” are required to do so, especially when social distancing is not or cannot be maintained, as per the executive order from Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Pennsylvania 

Effective April 19, employees at essential businesses are required to wear face coverings while on the job. Employers must provide employees with a mask, according to the state’s Department of Health.

Customers are also required to wear them and can be denied entry to the business "unless the business is providing medication, medical supplies or food, in which case the business must provide alternative methods of pick-up or delivery of such goods," Gov. Tom Wolf's office said.

Rhode Island 

Effective April 18, employees at essential businesses must wear a face mask or covering, according to Gov. Gina Raimondo's executive order.

CORONAVIRUS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW 

Unless an employee "can easily, continuously, and measurably maintain at least 6 feet of distance from other employees for the duration of his or her work," all employees at essential businesses “must wear face coverings in any entry, exit and common areas of the business, including, but not limited to: check-in, registration, reception, hallways, bathrooms, breakrooms, time clock areas, elevators, stairways, etc,” the order reads.

Employers must provide their employees either face masks or the appropriate materials to make one, as per the order.

 

https://www.foxnews.com/health/what-states-require-coronavirus-face-masks-in-public

[Snake]

 

[ViperGTS/Z1]

I actually thought this was nationwide by now....

Yup.....required to wear them when entering every store here.  I am also required to wear one on work premises but I take it off once on the road .  I find the mask pretty annoying. 

[spin_dry]

I only wear one at work while sitting in an office with a client. Otherwise it’s not necessary. 

[teamgreen02]

I never wear one and won't be.  MN is starting to open up on Monday.  We will likely still be working from home for a little while yet but at least those that don't have that option can go back to work.

[Anler]

Several towns around here are requiring you wear them if you are in public. Even some red towns...  

[Stephen Hawking]

I carry a mask in my jacket pocket and wear it when going in a store, got tired of people giving me the stinkeye.

[ViperGTS/Z1]

49 minutes ago, Stephen Hawking said:

I carry a mask in my jacket pocket and wear it when going in a store, got tired of people giving me the stinkeye.

Lol...that's what happened to me. I was the only one without a mask in Dunkin Donuts a couple weeks ago. Stuck out like a sore thumb and Could feel the hatred in the air.....so now I comply. Keep a mask in my car which is so filthy now that it has to be doing more harm than good......seen someone walking around with a Darth Vader mask in Lowes today....I was lmaowanted to snap a pic so bad but didn't get a chance.

[Blackstar]

No requirement to wear one here in Ontario. I was in 7-11 this morning, myself and 3 other customers. The cashier and myself were the only ones not wearing masks and she was behind a plastic sheet. Some how I became the odd man out....lol

The old lady bought a box of cheap masks and gave them to all employees. No one has put one on yet. Mine are in the truck glovebox where they will sit until I throw them out no doubt.

Edited April 24, 2020 by Blackstar

[Zambroski]

Don’t wear one.  Won’t wear one.  Nanny state mandated dress codes.

[steve from amherst]

9 hours ago, spin_dry said:

I only wear one at work while sitting in an office with a client. Otherwise it’s not necessary. 

This , I cant help but laugh when I see someone driving alone wearing one.

[Fireball 440]

7 hours ago, Zambroski said:

Don’t wear one.  Won’t wear one.  Nanny state mandated dress codes.

Kind of like your days in the military?  Did compliance bother you then? 

That's a question for all ex military that refuse to comply with govt.

[Blackstar]

25 minutes ago, steve from amherst said:

This , I cant help but laugh when I see someone driving alone wearing one.

Ya, I don't get that one either.

[Jimmy Snacks]

58 minutes ago, Fireball 440 said:

Kind of like your days in the military?  Did compliance bother you then? 

That's a question for all ex military that refuse to comply with govt.

Good question. 

[Snake]

1 hour ago, Fireball 440 said:

Kind of like your days in the military?  Did compliance bother you then? 

That's a question for all ex military that refuse to comply with govt.

When I joined the Army, I made an oath to obey the orders of those appointed over me.

Were I still there, I would wear one if mandated.

I got 2 pieces of paper that absolves me of any and all orders.... one is an honorable discharge and the other is the Bill of Rights.

[Whiskey Tango Foxtrot]

9 hours ago, ViperGTS/Z1 said:

ol...that's what happened to me. I was the only one without a mask in Dunkin Donuts a couple weeks ago. Stuck out like a sore thumb and Could feel the hatred in the air

I’ve been “mask shamed” a few times while out in public. I’m not going to wear a mask that has been proven not to work in the first place.

these sheep are walking around looking like morons, masks that are ineffective, liberal soccer moms mean mugging me like I’m the weird one, going home to bitch to their beta pussy whipped husbands. Lol, makes my day.

i can’t count how many people I’ve seen with masks, no gloves, on their phones, pulling off the mask when they get in the car just to wipe their face and touch the wheel, radio, adjust their mirrors, etc! Absolute lunacy, they just don’t get it. “Media said wear mask, I make mask out of old pillow case, now I’m safe, media said so!” HAH!

[Fireball 440]

23 minutes ago, Snake said:

When I joined the Army, I made an oath to obey the orders of those appointed over me.

Were I still there, I would wear one if mandated.

I got 2 pieces of paper that absolves me of any and all orders.... one is an honorable discharge and the other is the Bill of Rights.

That's a fair answer, and thank you for your service.

[Snake]

1 minute ago, Fireball 440 said:

That's a fair answer, and thank you for your service.

Word.

[ckf]

I personally haven't worn one,  but I haven't been out in public. I'm not against them though as Ive sold around 40 with my photos on them over the past few days.

[ViperGTS/Z1]

40 minutes ago, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot said:

I’ve been “mask shamed” a few times while out in public. I’m not going to wear a mask that has been proven not to work in the first place.

these sheep are walking around looking like morons, masks that are ineffective, liberal soccer moms mean mugging me like I’m the weird one, going home to bitch to their beta pussy whipped husbands. Lol, makes my day.

i can’t count how many people I’ve seen with masks, no gloves, on their phones, pulling off the mask when they get in the car just to wipe their face and touch the wheel, radio, adjust their mirrors, etc! Absolute lunacy, they just don’t get it. “Media said wear mask, I make mask out of old pillow case, now I’m safe, media said so!” HAH!

I agree with that.....trouble is people around here have actually been turned around and not let into some stores if not wearing a mask. Almost bouncer like tactics.  Sure, I could just push the employees (usually kids) guarding the entries aside or try and fight it and take the store and the Governor to court over rights I guess. But I NEED my morning coffee and throwing a mask on briefly when entering is a small price to pay for my necessity. 

Plus I'm near one of the "hottest" hit areas on the globe and everything is on total overkill here. It's ridiculous.

[Anler]

Apparently we dont really need masks, we can just drink sunshine and bleach. 

[ckf]

The reason for the mask is to keep the person wearing the mask from spreading the virus. You aren't wearing it to protect yourself.  The reason you get eyeball fucked for not wearing one is because you are saying that you don't give a fuck about others.

[Angry ginger]

4 minutes ago, ckf said:

The reason for the mask is to keep the person wearing the mask from spreading the virus. You aren't wearing it to protect yourself.  The reason you get eyeball fucked for not wearing one is because you are saying that you don't give a fuck about others.

I can live with that.  got used to it being a ginger 

[ckf]

2 minutes ago, Angry ginger said:

I can live with that.  got used to it being a ginger 

Hard to argue,  isn't it?

[Zambroski]

3 hours ago, Fireball 440 said:

Kind of like your days in the military?  Did compliance bother you then? 

That's a question for all ex military that refuse to comply with govt.

This isn’t a good comparison.  When you agree to “comply” and enter the services, you agreed to comply...period.  But yes, some of it really bothered me.  I just got something back for it and I also understood the reasoning behind it.

A comparison would be like how I was forced to get flu shots, give blood, had vaccines and take other types of “preventatives” that I didn’t want...many times not even sure if they worked or what they even did.  But even then, I passively agreed and it was different than this nanny shit.