Monterey County issued the following announcement on Sept. 8.
A countywide face covering requirement was not approved by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors today, but all supervisors affirmed their support for wearing face coverings indoors and whenever possible to reduce community spread of COVID-19.
Last week, the Board took an initial step towards the implementation of an indoor face covering ordinance for all areas of the county, asking that an ordinance be brought back for consideration at a special meeting today, September 8th.
After extensive discussion and public comment, the board did not approve implementing the ordinance. The proposed ordinance required a 4/5th vote and the vote on the measure was three in favor and two against.
Supervisors in favor of the requirement urged action to reduce COVID-19 transmission particularly among schoolchildren and to protect tourism workers who encounter visitors from around the world. Dissenting supervisors pointed to current case and hospitalization rates improving and that an ordinance is not needed at this time, but asked that it be revisited and considered based on current county COVID-19 information.
While there is no countywide face covering requirement, they are still required in many settings. State and local requirements and recommendations remain in effect:
Monterey County’s Health Officer strongly recommends all residents wear face coverings indoors regardless of vaccination status.
Monterey County requires face coverings be worn by both the public and staff in all county facilities.
State rules require all residents regardless of vaccination status wear face coverings in schools, on public transit, in emergency/homeless shelters, healthcare, correctional and long-term care settings.
State rules require unvaccinated residents wear a face covering in indoor public settings and businesses.
Original source can be found here.
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