Still haven't gotten used to wearing a mask yet? Now's the time to start, because California Governor Gavin Newsom and California's Department of Public Health have just issued a statewide order making face coverings mandatory for most public settings.

State officials had previously recommended but not required face coverings in public places. Thursday's mandate - which comes at a time when more businesses and gathering places are re-opening - does not change the existing rules in Manhattan Beach. But it raises the ante in counties where masks had not been required, or where the requirement had been rescinded, including Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties. 

"Over the last four months, we have learned a lot about COVID-19 transmission, most notably that people who are infected but are asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic play an important part in community spread," read a statement from the California Department of Public Health. "The use of face coverings by everyone can limit the release of infected droplets when talking, coughing, and/or sneezing, as well as reinforce physical distancing."

At this point, wearing a face covering continues to be the simplest thing you can do to protect yourself and others when out in public. If you haven't found one you like, there are thousands of different variations, made from many different materials, so you can decide what's most comfortable for you. 

Even better, you can support Manhattan Beach merchants when choosing the right face mask for you. Check out our full list of where to buy face coverings and masks in Manhattan Beach.

The COVID-19 case count continues to creep upward slowly in Manhattan Beach, with one or two new cases added each day, and upwards of 1,000 new cases each day in Los Angeles County. Since the beginning of the pandemic there have been 93 total cases and three deaths in Manhattan Beach.

The new mandate requires Californians to wear face coverings in public indoor spaces and outdoors when physical distancing isn't possible.

Specifically, masks or face coverings are required for anyone inside of, or in line to enter, any indoor public space; obtaining services from the healthcare sector; waiting for or riding on public transportation or car service, or ride-sharing vehicle; engaged in work, whether at the workplace or performing work off-site, when interacting in-person with any member of the public; and/or working in any space visited by members of the public,  regardless of whether anyone from the public is present at the time.

Exceptions are provided for children under age 2 and for those with disabilities that prevent them from wearing masks safely. 

For the full text of the order, visit Thursday's statement by the California Department of Public Health.