The sweeping new mask mandate states that “all persons must wear face coverings at all times when indoors” and says violations constitute “an imminent threat and menace to public health, constitutes a public nuisance, and is punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both.”
An accompanying statement released by the county on Facebook made clear that, as it appears, “masks must be worn in private settings, including your home, when non-household members are present.”
“You may be asking yourself, “There’s no way Santa Cruz county, CA really just imposed a new indoor mask mandate that includes private residences, right?!? That’s insane” Insane perhaps, but true. The order also threatens imprisonment for violations”
The only exceptions allowed are for individuals in their own homes when alone or with members of their household, when working in a closed room alone or with others from their household, when actively eating, drinking, swimming, or showering, and when getting a service that requires a mask to be removed.
The mandate — which took effect just before the start of the holiday party and family gathering season on November 22 — is, at least according to Santa Cruz County officials, aimed at preventing an apparently expected uptick in coronavirus cases in the remaining months of 2021 and into the new year.
According to Santa Cruz County Health Officer Gail Newell, a “potential winter surge appears to be a significant threat to the health and safety” to the county. How interesting that coronavirus surges are apparently now “seasonal,” a characterization that is receiving little to no pushback from the media or elected Democrats.
The mandate has no set end-date and “will remain in effect” until it is rescinded or superseded by county officials.
This is an excerpt from Townhall.
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