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San Bernardino County residents must wear a face covering while out in public in order to help slow the spread of the Coronavirus.
An order to that effect was issued Tuesday by Dr. Erin Gustafson, the county’s acting public officer, according to a statement on the county’s website.
Violators may be fined up to $1,000, imprisoned for 90 days, or both.
Initially, faith-based services were to be electronic only, either by streaming or other online methods. Drive-thru services were to be prohibited. However, the county issued a clarification Wednesday, saying drive-thru services planned for the upcoming Easter weekend may be held if the congregation chooses to do so.
“We understand that this is an important time for Christians around the world and it is natural to want to worship and celebrate with our families.” said Curt Hagman, chairman of the board of supervisors, in the statement. “Right now, however, is a critical time for our country and our community – we can still celebrate this time from the safety of our individual homes while we help flatten the curve and save lives.”
Face coverings should secure to the ears or back of the head and cover the mouth and nose. Homemade cloth ear loop covers, bandannas and handkerchiefs, and neck gaiters may be used to reduce the spread of COVID-19, especially among people showing no symptoms of the virus.
Homemade masks are recommended, as surgical and N95 masks must be saved for healthcare workers and emergency responders, according to the statement.
As of Tuesday, San Bernardino County had 547 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 17 deaths associated with the disease, according to the statement.
