"Some individuals have health conditions, such as a respiratory disease, that are not obvious to others, making it difficult for them to use a facial covering"

The Order of the Health Officer requiring county residents to wear facial coverings was updated Tuesday, April 28, to clarify guidance specifically on masking children and on masks with valves. The rest of the guidance remains the same.

The updated order further reiterates that children under 2 years old should not wear facial coverings, and states that children under 12 years of age are not required to be masked, although they are strongly encouraged to do so.

The order also provides updated guidance about masks with valves, stating that any mask that incorporates a valve should have “a one-way valve that only releases filtered air on exhale; a minimum of one or more fabric barriers between the mouth and the exhaust valve and, if the valve is not filtered, an additional face covering is required,” according to the updated order.

Humboldt County Health Officer Dr. Teresa Frankovich said facial coverings are meant to protect the public from people who might be infected but are not yet displaying symptoms. “In combination with proper social distancing, facial coverings are another way we can help protect each other and especially our more vulnerable community members,” she said. “This is another step we need to take as we move to start opening things back up in our community.”

Dr. Frankovich added that it is important to remember that some individuals have health conditions, such as a respiratory disease, that are not obvious to others, making it difficult for them to use a facial covering.