At one minute past midnight today, facial coverings became the law of land in Humboldt County under an order announced Tuesday by county Health Officer Teresa Frankovich.

The ideal is simply: By wearing a mask you help protect others from a possible transmission of COVID-19 and when other people wear facial coverings, they help protect you and your family for the same reason. Those under 2 years old, who have breathing issues or who cannot take off a mask on their own are exempt.

Read the full order here.

Masks must be worn:

• Inside an indoor facility (except for a person’s residence)
• Any enclosed space
• In outdoor spaces where individuals are unable to maintain a distance of 6 feet from others at all times

Find the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) facial covering guidelines below:

• Masks should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• Be secured with ties or ear loops
• Include multiple layers of fabric
• Allow for breathing without restriction
• Should be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

Find a DIY template for how to make one here.

Violations of the mask order constitute misdemeanor offenses, punishable by imprisonment, a fine or both. Humboldt County District Attorney has said her office will prosecutors "flagrant" violations of the order.

Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal described the order as a “key step in reopening our businesses while continuing to protect the members of our community from the virus.” He also said local law enforcement will be “actively engaged in educating the public on the importance of facial coverings.”