COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Cover your face when out
Carry a cloth face covering with you whenever you are outside your home, and put it on when others are nearby.
By City of Berkeley Health Officer order, you must wear a face covering when you are:
- shopping at a store
- waiting in line to enter a store
- using or waiting for public transportation
- in a taxi or rideshare
- seeking healthcare
- inside any workplace
You will not be allowed to enter a business or use public transportation if you are not wearing a face covering.
Although masks aren't required when outside, you should always have one with you. Put it on when you are in the presence of anyone you don't live with.
Face coverings protect the people around you
Many people carrying COVID-19 don't have symptoms, but they can still infect others. Covering your nose and mouth when out helps prevent you from unknowingly spreading COVID-19 to others.
Face coverings supplement other COVID-19 precautions. They are not a substitute for other behaviors to slow the spread. You should continue to stay home, keep 6 feet away from others when out, washing your hands often, and practicing other healthy behaviors.
Wearing a cloth mask does not prevent you from being infected by someone else.
Guidelines for face coverings
Your face covering should:
- fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- be secured with ties or ear loops
- allow for breathing without restriction
- be able to be laundered without damage
Do not use masks that have a one-way valve designed for easier breathing (the valves are often a raised plastic disk about the size of a quarter on the front or side of the mask).
These valves allow respiratory droplets out of the mask, which puts people nearby at risk.
When you don't have to cover your face
Face coverings are not required when you are:
- at home
- in a car alone or exclusively with members of your household
- exercising outdoors
Carry a face covering with you when exercising outdoors and put it on when you can't stay 6 feet away from other people.
Exceptions
You do not have to wear a face covering if:
- you have been advised by a medical professional not to wear a face covering (must have documentation)
- you have trouble breathing or are not able to take off a face covering without help
- wearing a face covering would create a safety hazard at work, according to established health and safety guidelines
- you have a physical disability that prevents you from wearing a face covering
If you are deaf and use facial and mouth movements as part of communication, you can remove your mask while signing.
Children
Children 2 years or younger should not wear face coverings, as this creates risk of suffocation.
Face coverings are optional for children 3-12 years old. Parents and caregivers must supervise the use of face coverings by children to avoid misuse.
Make your own face covering
You do not need to buy any special equipment to comply with face covering requirements. Simple, do-it-yourself face coverings are fine. You can improvise using a scarf, bandana, neck gaiter, t-shirt, or towel.
The CDC has created tutorials on how to make a mask at home:
Don't use surgical masks or N-95s - medical grade masks are needed for health care workers and first responders.
Your mask should be comfortable and allow you to breathe normally through your nose. Make sure it fits well - you should avoid touching your face or adjusting your mask once you've put it on.
Wash face coverings after each use.
Last updated May 11, 2020