Masks and face coverings are recommended, but not required, for Americans who go out in public during the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic.
Seven states took that guidance further, and they’re requiring residents to cover their faces when they visit essential businesses or use public transportation.
All of the following orders from governors come with the same guidance: Masks are no substitute for social distancing—maintaining at least six feet of distance from other people—and staying home.
But they’re better than nothing, and in these states, you can’t work at or enter a business without them.
There are few exceptions, though people who can’t wear masks for medical reasons are exempt.
Connecticut
In effect as of: April 20
The state’s mask requirement (pdf) applies to residents who are in a public place, over age 2, and can’t maintain at least six feet of distance from other people. The same rules apply to people who use public transportation, taxis, or rideshare services.
The state’s Department of Economic and Community Development released mask guidelines for essential workers, too. Employees at essential businesses must wear masks or material that covers their mouth and nose at all times while at work. Employers must provide masks or the materials to make them. All customers under age 2 must wear them, too.
People who refuse to wear masks aren’t required to provide proof that they’re medically exempt.
Hawaii
In effect as of: April 20
Customers at essential businesses are required to wear cloth face coverings. Employees who interact with customers or goods at those businesses must wear them, too. Those measures are in addition to keeping six feet of distance and limiting the number of customers allowed in an establishment.
Anyone who violates those rules could face a fine up to $5,000 or up to a year in prison if found guilty, according to Gov. David Ige’s order (pdf).
Maryland
In effect as of: April 18
Commuters and employees must wear face coverings while using Maryland public transit, according to Gov. Larry Hogan’s order (pdf).
Employees and customers over age 9 must wear face coverings inside essential businesses, though adults accompanying young children should make an effort to get them to wear a mask if they’re in an essential business.
New Jersey
In effect as of: April 8
The first state to introduce such a mandate (pdf), New Jersey requires that customers and employees wear face coverings at essential businesses and construction sites. Businesses must provide them to employees and deny entry to customers who refuse to wear them (though the customer can still pick up their food or medicine by alternate, contact-free means).
Employees and commuters on New Jersey public transit and private carriers must wear face coverings while on trains, buses, and light rails. If they refuse to wear them, they may be denied entry.
New York
In effect as of: April 17
All residents over age 2 must wear masks or face coverings when they’re in public and social distancing isn’t possible (though maintaining at least six feet of distance is always preferred).
The state has a law on the books banning masks and “unusual or unnatural attire or facial alteration” in public, though it allows masks if police or officials grant permission to wear them. In this case, residents have Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s permission to wear masks.
Pennsylvania
In effect as of: April 19
Essential businesses must provide masks for their employees and require them to wear the masks, according to the order (pdf) from Pennsylvania’s Department of Health. Customers at these businesses must wear masks while on the premises or be denied entry.
Rhode Island
In effect as of: April 18
Employees of essential businesses are required to wear cloth face coverings unless that employee can continually maintain at least six feet of distance from other employees. All employees, though, must wear face coverings when entering and exiting the building or using common areas. Businesses must provide materials for employees to make those masks.
Gov. Gina Raimondo’s order (pdf) doesn’t require that customers wear masks while inside essential businesses, but it encourages businesses to post their own mask requirements.
Anti-Mask Laws Cause Confusion
Many anti-mask laws were enacted to keep Ku Klux Klan members from concealing their faces during the Jim Crow era. But the decades-old laws have been invoked this century, too, mostly against protestors who wear masks, according to the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law.
Now that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending the public wear masks, governors must clarify if and how mask bans will be enforced. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp temporarily suspended the law upon urging from state and local officials. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall told residents to ignore the law for now, though both laws will likely enter effect again when state emergency orders are lifted.
The CNN Wire and Epoch Times staff contributed to this report
