We’ve received a lot of questions about Phase 2.5 and the mask order. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions.
Q: Where do I have to wear a mask?
A: Masks are required to be worn inside all buildings that are not a private residence. This includes churches, libraries, businesses, restaurants, retail stores, hair salons, doctor’s offices, hospitals, etc. Private businesses and clubs are not exempt. Masks must be worn inside all buildings where people from different households convene.
Masks are also required in outdoor settings where social distancing is not possible, such as a parade, festival, or farmers’ market. Masks do not have to be worn outside if you are alone or with people from your immediate household. They also don’t have to be worn outside if social distancing can absolutely be maintained. As soon as social distancing becomes an issue, masks must be worn.
Q: Should masks be worn while playing a sport?
A: Individuals who are engaged in high intensity activities, like running, may not be able to wear a cloth face covering if it causes difficulty breathing. Youth are not required to wear masks while actively engaged in sports, but should wear a mask at all other times, such as while on the sidelines.
If unable to wear a cloth face covering, consider conducting the activity in a location with greater ventilation and air exchange, (for instance, outdoors versus indoors) and where it is possible to maintain physical distance from others.
Q: Do masks need to be worn while at a pool or at a splash pad?
A: If individuals are dry (meaning the mask is not going to get wet) and around other people on the deck, they should wear a mask. If they can absolutely guarantee six feet of social distancing and that someone is not going to walk by within six feet of them, they can take it off.
Masks do not have to be worn inside pools or inside the play areas of splash pads. Social distancing should be maintained in pools and splash pads especially when masks are off. Once an individual is dried off, the mask must be put back on.
Q: Should I wear a mask while outdoors? When is it okay to not wear one outdoors?
A: Masks are also required in outdoor settings where social distancing is not possible, such as a parade, festival, or farmers’ market. Masks do not have to be worn if you are exercising alone or with people from your immediate household. They also don’t have to be worn outside if social distancing can absolutely be maintained. As soon as social distancing becomes an issue, masks must be worn.
Q: How should my church address the new mask order?
A: All persons inside a church must wear a mask while maintaining social distancing. This includes the congregation and the choir. Pastors may remove their mask while they are giving their sermon if they are on the stage by themself and the congregation is 10 feet away from the stage. If someone else comes on the stage, the pastor will need to put on a mask.
Q: Do I qualify as medically exempt?
A: The following individuals are exempt from the requirement to wear a face covering:
- Those who are deaf or hard of hearing
- Children younger than five years old; and
- Children who are younger than two years old should never wear face coverings due to the risk of suffocation.
- Children who are two, three, or four years old, with the assistance and close supervision of an adult, are strongly recommended to wear a face covering at all times in settings, like grocery stores or pharmacies, where it is likely that a distance of at least six feet cannot be maintained from non-household members and vulnerable people must go.
- Persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a face covering. This includes, but is not limited to, persons with a medical condition for whom wearing a face covering could obstruct breathing or who are unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove a face covering without assistance.
Q: How do I enter a business if I have a medical exemption?
A: When you enter a business, you may be asked, “Are you unable to wear a mask because of a disability?” If your answer is affirmative, the business must allow entry. Employees may not inquire about the specific condition.
Q: Should I wear my mask inside the gym?
A: Masks should be worn inside the gym, except when engaged in vigorous activities. Individuals who are engaged in high intensity activities, like running, may not be able to wear a cloth face covering if it causes difficulty breathing. If unable to wear a cloth face covering, consider conducting the activity in a location with greater ventilation and air exchange, (for instance, outdoors versus indoors) and where it is possible to maintain physical distance from others. If the mask is removed during vigorous activity, social distancing must be strictly maintained.
Q: What if I’m socially distanced indoors, do I still need to wear a mask?
A: Yes. Masks need to be worn in all indoor spaces that aren’t a private residence at all times regardless of distance. The only exception to this is if you’re in an enclosed office at your place of employment.
Q: How do I submit a complaint if a business is not complying with the order?
A: You can submit a complaint through our form here: https://form.jotform.com/200893915181155
Q: What do I do if someone refuses to wear a mask without a medical exemption?
A: Businesses and employers can refuse entry to someone who refuses to wear a mask without a medical exemption.
