County Clarifies Tuesday’s Facial Covering Guidance

After receiving many questions from residents about Tuesday’s announcement of a new face covering directive, Montgomery County is now clarifying their position.

When Montgomery County residents leave their homes, they should either wear a mask or have one with them that is ready to use.

The county now is requiring that face coverings be worn when residents are likely to come in contact with others who are not members of their household. Under the new health directive, face coverings must be worn in businesses, office buildings and other establishments that are open to the public.

However, they are not required when people are:

• Actively eating or drinking.
• Receiving dental services, shaving, or facial treatments or receiving another service requiring access to your face, mouth or head.
• Swimming or engaged in another physical activity where the use of a face covering would pose a bona fide safety risk.
• Under the age of 18 and are engaged in vigorous sports – as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
• Unable to wear a face covering due to a medical condition or disability, or are physically unable to remove a mask.
• Unable to wear a face covering because it impedes communication by, or with, persons who have a hearing impairment or other disability, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication.
• At work and the equipment required for the job does not enable you to wear a mask or wearing a mask would endanger public safety.
• Alone in your office or vehicle.

Residents “are strongly urged to wear a mask whenever they are in public places and may encounter others. Whether you are out walking or jogging, wearing a mask when you are likely to be within six feet of someone, even if it is solely in passing, is required,” according to the new directive.

County Clarifies Face Covering Guidance with Amended Health Directive https://t.co/sajpl8tqy5 pic.twitter.com/9NbW6kPvLO

— Montgomery Council (@MoCoCouncilMD) November 25, 2020

About Suzanne Pollak

Suzanne is a freelance reporter with Montgomery Community Media. She has over 35 years professional experience writing for newspapers, magazines, non-profit newsletters and the web.

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