Peter Blair | March 16, 2022 | State Law
As the COVID-19 pandemic wears on, the question of masking is front and center. Many people in San Diego wonder if they are required to wear a mask when in public.
The regulations regarding masks are often unclear. This leaves many people concerned that they might be cited for not wearing a mask when shopping.
If you are wondering if police will cite you for not wearing a mask in public, read on. Below, we will discuss what authorities have said about wearing a mask in stores and restaurants in San Diego.
If you have received any sort of citation from law enforcement, do not hesitate to contact a skilled legal professional.
Am I Required to Wear a Mask When Shopping in San Diego?
In April 2020, it was legally required for members of the public to wear a mask when shopping. Law enforcement officers decided to rely on the public to comply with this regulation voluntarily.
In other words, you are unlikely to be cited for failing to wear a mask in stores or restaurants. Police officers are also complying by wearing their own masks to reduce the spread of coronavirus in the community.
In 2022, San Diego has seen a drastic drop in cases. Even though this is the case, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still lists San Diego County as a location with “high” rates of transmission.
A region is not categorized as having “low” transmission until it falls below a seven-day rate of fewer than 200 cases per 100,000 people. While the mask mandate in some schools is set to expire, local officials have stated that masking is still necessary for maintaining public health during the pandemic.
Where Are Face Coverings Still Required in San Diego?
In many locations throughout the city, face coverings are still required. This is true regardless of your vaccination status.
Masks must be worn in the context of public transportation, including:
- Buses
- Airplanes
- Trains
- Ferries
- Rideshare services
- Taxis
You must also wear masks in train stations and airports in San Diego. Enclosed spaces are one of the places where virus transmission is most likely, making masks necessary.
Most K-12 schools and childcare settings require face coverings, as well. This mandate is set to expire in mid-March 2022. Even after the mandate has been lifted, masks will be strongly recommended in these settings.
Healthcare settings require masks because of the large number of vulnerable people. These settings include:
- Hospitals
- Doctor’s offices
- Long-term care facilities
- Nursing homes
- And more
Detention facilities, homeless shelters, and cooling centers also require masking.
Who Is Exempt from Masking Requirements?
Only certain people are exempt from wearing face coverings when shopping in San Diego. Some examples include:
- Those under two years of age
- Those with specific medical conditions or disabilities
- Those with certain mental health issues
- The hearing impaired
If masking would present a risk because of a person’s job, they may not be required to wear a face covering. These decisions are made by the appropriate state, local, and federal regulators.
In general, you should wear a mask when shopping in San Diego. While you may not face a citation from law enforcement, masks help to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and they are an essential public health tool.
Contact a Skilled Legal Professional
When you need criminal defense services in San Diego, make sure to contact a knowledgeable defense attorney. A skilled legal team can help you understand the mask and face-covering requirements in San Diego.
If you’re facing criminal charges, call Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers at (619) 357-4977 or contact us online today.