Although the number of COVID-19 cases are diminishing with the implementation of the vaccine and widespread public use of prevention methods, the City Council realizes the potential for a coronavirus outbreak is still relevant. Out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of public health, the council authorized the Director of Emergency Services to issue Emergency Order 3D that extends the requirement of facial coverings and social distancing in public settings through June 30, 2021.
Currently, Riverside County remains in the Red Tier “Substantial,” the second most restrictive tier due to community spread of the coronavirus. In fact, the past three months combined (December, January, and February) were the most deadly.
In addition to wearing facial coverings and social distancing, the city encourages everyone, who is currently eligible, to make an appointment to get one of the approved COVID-19 vaccines. This will help further reduce the spread and diminish the number of positive coronavirus cases. You can make an appointment through your personal care provider or through the county’s website https://www.rivcoph.org/COVID-19-Vaccine.
Emergency Order 3D will be in place through June 30, 2021, unless extended or rescinded by the city council. Enforcement of this order may include a fine of $100 for the first offense and up to $500 for repeated offenses.
Emergency Order 3D requires masks and social distancing while in public including the following scenarios:
- Waiting in line to go inside a store
- Shopping at a store
- Picking up food, or in-person dining at a restaurant (except while seated at a table)
- On or waiting for public transportation
- In a taxi or ridesharing vehicle
- Seeking healthcare
- Going into facilities allowed to be open
- Working at a job that interacts with the public
- Children two years and older when around others and they must be supervised by an adult
Exceptions to Emergency Order 3D are:
- When at home
- Driving alone in the car or with members of their household
- Children under the age of 2 years
- While outdoors and/or exercising outdoors as long as you practice social distancing of at least 6 feet between others and have a face covering readily accessible if you encounter others and are unable to social distance. (walking, hiking, golfing, etc.)
- Those who have a medical condition that prevents the use of a facial covering and certified by a medical professional.
Businesses must:
- Require all employees, contractors, owners, and volunteers to wear a face covering at the workplace
- Inform customers to wear a face covering – including posting signs and advising those standing in line
- Take reasonable steps to keep people who are not wearing a face covering from entering the business
- Refuse service to anyone not wearing a face covering
- Face coverings are defined as dense fabric without holes, bandanas, neck gaiter, or other fabric face coverings.
