Shopping in public now requires use of face coverings.
Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas said during a press conference outside city hall Thursday anyone engaged in essential tasks—such as grocery shopping, conducting business at banks, or pumping gasoline—is required to wear a mask while in public.
The city ordinance was passed at Tuesday’s council meeting and is intended to stop the spread of COVID-19, a coronavirus that has reached pandemic proportions and can cause severe respiratory ailments.
The law went into effect today and lasts indefinitely.
In a release issued the same day the city said that those who are engaged in casual activities such as walking in their neighborhood or are outside their homes are not required to wear a mask, however “it also is highly recommended to wear a face covering anytime outside of the home such as walking or exercising in the neighborhood, or walking the dog. Face coverings are recommended for everyone over the age of two. The six-foot social distancing rule is still in effect when out of the home.”
City officials said anyone caught violating the order is subject to a $1,000 fine, however law enforcement anticipates educating the public about the new law before issuing a citation.
Chula Vista joins National City, which earlier in the week passed a similar ordinance, in requiring its residents, businesses and visitors to wear face coverings while in public.
As of April 22 there have been 311 positive cases of Covid-19, 79 in National City and 20 in Bonita.
