The Duarte City Council passed an urgency ordinance at its meeting on Tuesday, July 28, which builds on State and County public orders intended to contain the coronavirus, protect high risk populations and flatten the curve of cases for hospitals. The urgency ordinance states that residents may now be subject to fines for not wearing a mask when doing so is mandated ( $100 for first offenses; $200 for second offenses; and $500 for every subsequent violation within a one-year period from the initial offense).
“In light of recent spikes throughout California and right here in Los Angeles County, the City of Duarte wants all residents to wear face coverings when leaving home,” stated Mayor Pro Tem Bryan Urias. “By wearing a face covering, you are protecting yourself, your parents, your grandparents and all others you love. By wearing a face covering, you are protecting your neighbors, their family members and their friends. Please do your best to slow the spread of COVID-19. Remember, we’re all in this together.”
Don’t forget your face coverings when visiting:
- Indoor public spaces
- Local businesses
- Healthcare offices
- Government facilities
- Public transportation
- Workplaces
- Outdoor public spaces when maintaining a 6-foot distance is not possible
Residents who fall into one or more of the following categories are exempt:
- Under 2 years old
- Have a medical condition, mental health condition or disability that prevents wearing a face covering
- Have a hearing impairment or must communicate with a person who is hearing impaired
- Is put at risk by wearing a face covering at their workplace
- Are getting a service involving their nose or face, during which they must temporarily remove their face covering
- Must temporarily remove their face covering while eating or drinking outdoors at a restaurant or establishment that offers food and beverages
- Are engaged in outdoor work or recreation, such as swimming, walking, hiking, bicycling or running
The ordinance also permits businesses to refuse admission or service to anyone not wearing a mask or complying with social distancing requirements.
For more information about how the City is responding to the pandemic and tips on protecting yourself and others, please visit our What You Need to Know About COVID-19 webpage. To find food resources, please visit our Find Food Resources webpage. Duarte businesses, please visit our Duarte Business Support webpage for other tools and resources to help you on your road to recovery.