Monterey County Supervisors Take First Step to Implement Countywide Mask Mandate

The Monterey County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, August 31 took an initial step towards the implementation of an indoor facial covering ordinance for all areas of the county. After an extensive discussion regarding the protection of children too young to be vaccinated and the increase in variants such as Delta, the Board voted unanimously in support of a facial covering mandate, directing staff to prepare a draft ordinance for consideration at a special meeting which will be scheduled sometime during the week of September 5, 2021. “Our children have returned to school and I feel its imperative we do everything we can to protect their physical health and keep them in school,” says Supervisor Wendy Root Askew, Chair of the Board. “School has only just begun and there are weekly notifications of children diagnosed with COVID, which is pushing families to the edge.” Supervisor Luis Alejo pointed out the dramatic case rate difference between vaccinated and unvaccinated residents as another important reason for the County to consider a mask mandate. The ordinance being considered by the Board of Supervisors follows the proclamation of a local emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic by the Board of Supervisors in 2020. The local emergency proclamation by the County will make applicable the ordinance’s requirements in cities because they address the cause of the emergency, COVID-19, that does not respect political boundaries. The ordinance that will be brought to the Board of Supervisors for consideration will require all residents, both in cities and unincorporated areas, to wear facial coverings indoors with some exemptions, such as when people are in their own homes, with family members, alone in a closed room or taking part in an activity where masks cannot be worn such as eating. The ordinance would apply to everyone over the age of 2, but will address a situation for parents of young children where the children may have difficulty keeping masks in place. The effective date of the ordinance will be determined during the upcoming special meeting, and will terminate on the earlier of 60 days after its effective date or upon Board order, unless extended. Violations of the ordinance will be subject to an administrative citation with enforcement details to be determined.