Mayor Kirk Cladwell has issued a mandate requiring Oahu residents to wear non-medical grade face coverings in public places to help mitigate the spread of coronavirus. The mandate, Emergency Order No. 2020-07, will go into effect at Midnight on Monday, April 20th and will continue through 4:30pm on Thursday, April 30th, barring an extension.
Here are some key factors you need to know about the new face-coverings mandate:
- Face masks must cover your mouth and nose.
- All essential business providers must wear face masks when interacting with customers and visitors.
- All customers and visitors entering essential businesses must also wear face masks.
- Essential business owners have the right to refuse service to customers who are not wearing face masks.
- Passengers on public transportation including TheBus and TheHandi-Van must wear face masks.
EXCEPTIONS:
- People who have medical conditions where a face mask would pose a health risk.
- Children under 5
- Customers in banks, financial institutions, or using ATMs.
- First responders if a face mask would jeopardize their safety or inhibit their ability to perform their jobs.
Additionally, all Oahu residents are encouraged, but not required, to wear non-medical grade face coverings when they are outside their homes performing “essential activities” such as exercising, gardening, or walking their pets.
Failure to comply with the new face covering order can be punishable as a misdemeanor which can carry up to a $5,000 fine, a year in jail, or both.
If you have further questions pertaining to Emergency Order 2020-07, visit oneoahu.org for frequently asked questions or contact the City’s Covid-19 Response center at 768-CITY (2489) or email covidresponse@honolulu.gov.