Imperial County Officials have issued a new Health Officer Order.

The new order requires all residents and visitors of Imperial County to wear cloth face coverings when out in public. The order requires anyone likely to come in contact with other members of the public at places like grocery stores , pharmacies , restaurants , hardware stores and any other business that allows public access to cover up. The use of face coverings is also required for all critical infrastructure workers , who while working , are likely to have direct contact with members of the public , or are unable to maintain a minimum of six feet separation with coworkers at all times.

Officials do not recommend that the public use medical masks which are in short supply and are to be reserved for frontline healthcare workers. Recommended face coverings include any type of breathable material such as bandanas , scarves , t-shirts or towels that can be used to cover the nose and mouth. Face coverings should be washed with hot water and detergent after each use and dried on the hot cycle. Face coverings should not be used on children younger than 2 years of age , anyone who has trouble breathing or is unable to remove the cover without assistance.

The order goes into effect at 11:59 p.m. on Friday , April 10, 2020 and remains in effect until further notice. Violation of the order is a misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to 90 days in jail for each violation.