The mask orders issued Friday by Contra Costa County Public Health Officer Dr. Chris Farnitano and Berkeley Health Officer Dr. Lisa Hernandez, requires customers and employees of essential businesses to cover their nose and mouth with cloth so that infected people without symptoms don’t unintentionally spread COVID-19.
While everyone should follow the mandate immediately, enforcement will not begin until 8am Wednesday, April 22nd.
Everyone, including customers, contractors, and vendors, is required to wear a face covering while inside our businesses or in line.
Face coverings can be anything made of cloth, fabric or other permeable material that covers the nose and mouth and the lower part of the face. Medical-grade masks are not required – a T-shirt or bandana works fine, Dr. Farnitano said.
Note that Any mask that incorporates a one-way valve (typically a raised plastic cylinder about the size of a quarter on the front or side of the mask) that is designed to facilitate easy exhaling is not a Face Covering under this Order and is not to be used to comply with this Order’s requirements. Valves of that type permit droplet release from the mask, putting others nearby at risk.
Thank you,
The Natural Grocery Company