Residents Reminded to Wear Face Coverings as Phase 2 Reopening Continues; Health Order Outlines Requirements

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, June 23, 2020

As Montgomery County continues Phase 2 reopening, health officials remind all residents that face coverings must be worn to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. In a health officer directive issued on June 18 by County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles, residents (except those under the age of two and those with health conditions that make breathing difficult) must wear face coverings whenever they are in public and physical distancing is not possible. This includes:

• On public transportation such as Ride On, Metro and ride sharing
• Entering businesses and services that are open, including:
  • grocery stores
  • restaurants
  • retail businesses
  • religious services
  • hair salons and barbershops
  • pools, except when in the water
  • gyms and fitness centers, including when exercising
• Exercising or interacting with others outdoors
• Outdoor markets, including farmer’s markets
• Child care centers

“In order to continue to reopen more aspects of community life, it is extremely important that everyone do their part to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 and that means wearing a face covering each and every time we go out in public,” said Dr. Gayles. “Wearing a face covering and maintaining physical distancing is what each of us needs to do if we are going to continue to see our numbers of new cases decrease.”

A face covering is any paper or cloth, such as a bandana or scarf, that is well-secured and covers the nose, mouth, and chin. Plastic shields, typically worn only in health-care settings by medical professionals, do not take the place of the face covering requirement. They are worn as an added measure to protect one’s eyes and don’t filter air. They serve as a physical barrier to particles that you breathe. A face covering prevents a person from spreading the virus to others.

Businesses allowed to reopen during Phase 2 are required to ensure that their employees are wearing face coverings at all times, including during food preparation and when interacting with customers.

Find more information on face coverings, visit the County’s COVID-19 website.

For the latest COVID-19 updates, visit the County’s COVID-19 website and follow Montgomery County on Facebook @MontgomeryCountyInfo and Twitter @MontgomeryCoMD.

Put the “count” in Montgomery County! Be sure to complete the Census online, by phone, or by mail. It’s safe, confidential, easy, and important. #2020Census #EveryoneCountsMCMD

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Release ID: 20-338
Media Contact: Mary Anderson 301-529-7669