LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – County officials said an action taken by the Board of Supervisors reinforces the requirement established under a Public Health order that people wear facial coverings in Lake County’s businesses and government offices.
On May 5, the Lake County Board of Supervisors adopted Urgency Ordinance No. 3091, requiring the use of face coverings by all persons in county facilities, when 6-foot social distancing and/or use of protective shielding was not possible.
At the time, there was no general requirement of face coverings in Lake County businesses, so officials said this was an additional protective measure put in place for county-owned facilities, particularly in light of the fact the county courthouse building in Lakeport is prone to a high volume of foot traffic – typically 350 to 400 unique visitors per week.
During Tuesday’s board meeting, the supervisors rescinded Urgency Ordinance 3091 because it is no longer necessary in light of the broader face-covering requirement under Health Order C20-06, which went into effect on May 21 and was clarified by a May 28 addendum.
The county of Lake said Tuesday’s action by the board in no way compromises existing health orders.
In all Lake County businesses, including county-owned facilities, the Public Health Order applies:
– “All persons shall wear face coverings (cloth masks) when entering all local businesses or facilities, for workers and patrons, alike” (Order C20-06).
– “Those for whom complying with this order would cause difficulty breathing, or other adverse physical or emotional consequences” are exempt from the masking requirement, but “...must maintain a minimum physical distance of 6 feet between themselves and persons who are not family/household members at all times, unless protective shielding between such persons is in place.” (Addendum 1 to Order C20-06)
Particularly in light of Lake County’s overall caseload reaching 30, including 16 Active Confirmed Cases, as reported during this morning’s board meeting, residents are encouraged to take any available steps to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The following precautions are recommended by our Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace, MD:
– Stay at home, except to engage in permitted activities.
– Wear a face covering when away from home, to protect others.
– Stay at least 6 feet away from others when out of your household.
– Avoid contact with people who are sick.
– Wash your hands often with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds each time.
– Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
– People at elevated risk of severe complications are encouraged to stay safe at home.
County officials said that taking individual precautions will minimize the risk for everyone, and help protect those most vulnerable.