Coronavirus: The 17 US states where you must wear a face mask if you want to mix with other people

Sophia AnkelJun 28, 2020, 22:04 IST

People wearing masks walk past an American flag painted on a building in Ocean Beach, California, on May 6, 2020.Mike Blake/Reuters

While 46 out of 50 US states have some form of face mask guidelines in place, 17 of those have implemented orders that make it mandatory to wear them in public.
In these states, residents are required to wear a mask outside at all times when social distancing isn't possible, and also face penalties if they don't.
Four states — Iowa, Montana, Wisconsin, South Dakota — have no mask requirements at all.
According to official guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) everyone should be wearing face coverings in "public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain."
Scroll down to see which 17 states have mandated the use of face masks in public as the country continues to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

As coronavirus cases continue to climb across the country, more state officials have made the use of masks or face coverings mandatory in public.

Currently, 46 out of 50 states have some form of face mask guidelines in place, but some are more lenient than others.

The most strict mask requirements exist in a total of 17 states, where residents are required to wear a mask outside at all times when social distancing isn't possible, and also face penalties if they don't abide by the rules.

It differs from the more lenient states that, for example, only make people wear masks in certain businesses. Four states — Iowa, Montana, Wisconsin, South Dakota — have no mask requirements at all.

The official guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that everyone should be wearing face coverings in "public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain."

A recent study found that the use of face masks has been the most effective way to reduce person-to-person spread of the virus.

The US has seen one of its worst weeks since the start of the outbreak, recording more than 2.5 million cases and 125,539 deaths to date, according to a tracker by Johns Hopkins University.

Scroll down to see which 17 states have mandated the use of face coverings in public.

1. California

People walk in downtown Los Angeles, California, on June 25, 2020. Getty Images

Gov. Gavin Newsom issues the order to make mask-wearing mandatory in most public places on June 19.

Under the new law, all Californians must wear some type of face coverings in public, including while shopping, taking public transport, or seeking medical care, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The same applies to public outdoor spaces where social distancing is not an option.

"Simply put, we are seeing too many people with faces uncovered — putting at risk the real progress we have made in fighting the disease," Newsom said in a statement.

"California's strategy to restart the economy and get people back to work will only be successful if people act safely and follow health recommendations."

There were no more details about how the order will be enforced or if violators will face any punishments, CNN reported.

Gov. Gavin Newsom issues the order to make mask-wearing mandatory in most public places on June 19.

Under the new law, all Californians must wear some type of face coverings in public, including while shopping, taking public transport, or seeking medical care, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The same applies to public outdoor spaces where social distancing is not an option.

Simply put, we are seeing too many people with faces uncovered — putting at risk the real progress we have made in fighting the disease, Newsom said in a statement.

California's strategy to restart the economy and get people back to work will only be successful if people act safely and follow health recommendations.

There were no more details about how the order will be enforced or if violators will face any punishments, CNN reported.

2. Connecticut

A woman dines at Douro restaurant on May 20, 2020, in Greenwich, Connecticut. John Moore/Getty Images

Any Connecticut resident over the age of 2 must wear a face mask in a public space where social distancing isn't possible, according to an executive order signed by Gov. Ned Lamont that came into effect on April 10.

This also includes public transport.

The only people exempt from this order are those with a medical condition, NBC Connecticut reported.

However if anyone refuses to wear a face covering, they aren't required to provide proof that they're medically exempt.

This also includes public transport.

The only people exempt from this order are those with a medical condition, NBC Connecticut reported.

However if anyone refuses to wear a face covering, they aren't required to provide proof that they're medically exempt.

3. Delaware

Race fans stand for the US national anthem at Delaware International Speedway on June 6, 2020, in Delmar, Delaware. Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Delawareans are required to wear face coverings in public places including in grocery stores, pharmacies, doctor's offices, and on any form of public transportation, according to a statement issued by Gov. John Carney on April 20.

Only children under the age of 12 are exempted from this rule, due to the risk of suffocation.

"Wearing a face covering in public settings is important to prevent transmission of this disease. But wearing a face-covering is not permission to go out in public more often," the statement said.

Only children under the age of 12 are exempted from this rule, due to the risk of suffocation.

Wearing a face covering in public settings is important to prevent transmission of this disease. But wearing a face-covering is not permission to go out in public more often, the statement said.

4. District of Columbia

Dr. Anthony Fauci puts on a Washington Nationals face mask when he arrives to testify before the House Committee, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on June 23, 2020. Kevin Dietsch/Pool via REUTERS

While initially, there was some confusion around face masks rules in the district, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser ordered the use of face coverings when conducting essential business or travel and social distancing isn't possible.

Masks or other face coverings are required in grocery stores, pharmacies, and takeout restaurants. On public transportation, face coverings are required if individuals are unable to be six feet apart. Children between the ages of 2 and 9 are advised to wear masks.

4. Hawaii

A man walks a dog in Honolulu, Hawaii, on March 26, 2020. Caleb Jones/AP Photo

A state emergency order issued by Gov. David Ige on April 20 requires customers as well as employees at essential businesses to wear face coverings, according to local media.

However, masks are not required in banks or at ATM's. Furthermore, those with pre-existing health conditions, first responders, and children under the age of five are exempt from this rule.

If anyone violates these rules, they could face a fine of up to $50,000 or up to a year in prison, according to the order.

A state emergency order issued by Gov. David Ige on April 20 requires customers as well as employees at essential businesses to wear face coverings, according to local media.

However, masks are not required in banks or at ATM's. Furthermore, those with pre-existing health conditions, first responders, and children under the age of five are exempt from this rule.

If anyone violates these rules, they could face a fine of up to $50,000 or up to a year in prison, according to the order.

5. Illinois

A cook prepares an order at Wrigleyville Dog in the Wrigleyville neighborhood near the Chicago Cubs home stadium of Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois, on May 20, 2020. Joshua Lott/Reuters

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker ordered the use of face masks for anyone stepping outside their house as of May 1, local media reported.

This includes everything from shopping at essential businesses, picking up food, or visiting the doctor. It is also implemented in any public space where people cannot maintain 6 feet of physical distance.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker ordered the use of face masks for anyone stepping outside their house as of May 1, local media reported.

6. Kentucky

People line up outside a Kentucky Career Center hoping to find assistance with their unemployment claims in Frankfort, Kentucky, on June 18, 2020. Reuters

Even though Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear signed an order requiring all state residents to wear a mask in public as of May 11, the governor also said that those who are caught not wearing one, won't be fined or arrested.

However, the order does give businesses the right to turn away anyone who does not wear a mask and if law enforcement officers see unmasked people, they will ask them to don a mask.

Not everyone in the state has been following the order.

"It's a concern," Judge-Executive Mason Barnes of Simpson County — which has one of the highest infection rates in the state — told USA Today. "I'd say 70% to 80% of the people are not wearing masks when they're out and about."

However, the order does give businesses the right to turn away anyone who does not wear a mask and if law enforcement officers see unmasked people, they will ask them to don a mask.

Not everyone in the state has been following the order.

It's a concern, Judge-Executive Mason Barnes of Simpson County — which has one of the highest infection rates in the state — told USA Today. I'd say 70% to 80% of the people are not wearing masks when they're out and about.

7. Maine

A man walks along a sidewalk on Main Street where signs encourage people to wear masks and maintain social distancing in Ogunquit, Maine, on May 27, 2020. Gregory Rec/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images

Maine residents are required to wear face-coverings anytime they step foot into a supermarket, retail store, pharmacy, or doctor's office, according to an order issued by Gov. Janet Mills which went into effect on May 1.

8. Maryland

Tracy Sandridge and Julie Brown of Baltimore pose with inner tubes on wheels dubbed "bumper tables" designed to ensure social distancing in Ocean City, Maryland, on May 23, 2020. Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

Anyone taking public transport is required to wear face coverings, according to Gov. Larry Hogan's order that came into effect on April 18.

Other places where this is mandatory include grocery stores, pharmacies, liquor stores, laundromats, and hardware stores, according to USA Today.

Employees of essential businesses and customers over the age of 9 must also wear them.

Anyone taking public transport is required to wear face coverings, according to Gov. Larry Hogan's order that came into effect on April 18.

Other places where this is mandatory include grocery stores, pharmacies, liquor stores, laundromats, and hardware stores, according to USA Today.

Employees of essential businesses and customers over the age of 9 must also wear them.

9. Massachusetts

A group of people poses for a selfie in front of the Amorphophallus titanum flower in full bloom at the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston, Massachusetts, on June 21, 2020 Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

In Massachusetts, residents are not only required to wear face masks in public while indoors, but also need to wear them in outdoor spaces where social distancing isn't possible.

The order, issued by Gov. Charlie Baker, went into effect on May 6.

In Massachusetts, residents are not only required to wear face masks in public while indoors, but also need to wear them in outdoor spaces where social distancing isn't possible.

The order, issued by Gov. Charlie Baker, went into effect on May 6.

10. Michigan

Counselors wearing protective face masks gather for a game at Carls Family YMCA summer camp in Milford, Michigan, on June 23, 2020. Emily Elconin

According to Michigan state law, "any individual able to medically tolerate a face covering must wear a covering over his or her nose and mouth."

This also applies to business owners, who must provide their workers with "gloves, goggles, face shields, and face masks as appropriate for the activity being performed."

Businesses are also allowed to deny entry to anyone who refuses to wear a mask.

According to Michigan state law, any individual able to medically tolerate a face covering must wear a covering over his or her nose and mouth.

This also applies to business owners, who must provide their workers with gloves, goggles, face shields, and face masks as appropriate for the activity being performed.

Businesses are also allowed to deny entry to anyone who refuses to wear a mask.

11. Nevada

Drag performer Jim McCoy as Auntie Norma Llyaman and Chippendales cast members Ricky Rodgers and Ryan Worley participate in a fashion show on the Las Vegas Strip, Nevada, on June 25, 2020. Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Nevada was one of the most recent states to implement a mandatory mask order which went into effect on June 25.

Face coverings must be worn in public, but also in private businesses. Those who are exempted from the order include people with a medical condition that prevents them from wearing a mask, homeless people, and children between 2 and 9 years old, according to The Independent.

During his announcement last week, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak said: "Wearing mask coverings saves lives, period. End of story. We owe it to each other to accept the fact that wearing face mask coverings saves lives."

Nevada was one of the most recent states to implement a mandatory mask order which went into effect on June 25.

During his announcement last week, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak said: Wearing mask coverings saves lives, period. End of story. We owe it to each other to accept the fact that wearing face mask coverings saves lives.

12. New Jersey

Customers order drinks to-go outside a restaurant as the city reopens from the coronavirus lockdown on June 15, 2020, in Hoboken, New Jersey. Jeenah Moon/Getty Images

New Jersey was the very first state to make customers and workers wear face coverings at essential business sites.

Wearing a mask is also mandatory on public transit, and if anyone is seen without a mask, they could be denied entry, according to CNN.

New Jersey was the very first state to make customers and workers wear face coverings at essential business sites.

Wearing a mask is also mandatory on public transit, and if anyone is seen without a mask, they could be denied entry, according to CNN.

13. New Mexico

Native Americans of the Navajo Nation, pick up supplies on horses at a food bank set up at the Navajo Nation town of Casamero Lake in New Mexico on May 20, 2020. Mark Ralston/AFP via Getty Images

Face masks are mandatory in New Mexico in all public settings, except while eating, drinking, exercising, or for medical reasons.

The mandate came into effect on May 15.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said during a news conference: "As the state opens up and our risk increases, the only way we save lives and keep the gating criteria where it is is if we're all wearing face coverings,"

"It's not a guarantee against the virus, but it really helps slow the spread, and that's why we're mandating it," Grisham added, according to Las Cruces Sun News.

Face masks are mandatory in New Mexico in all public settings, except while eating, drinking, exercising, or for medical reasons.

The mandate came into effect on May 15.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said during a news conference: As the state opens up and our risk increases, the only way we save lives and keep the gating criteria where it is is if we're all wearing face coverings,

It's not a guarantee against the virus, but it really helps slow the spread, and that's why we're mandating it, Grisham added, according to Las Cruces Sun News.

14. New York

People wearing masks wait on a crowded subway platform in New York City, New York, on May 30, 2020. Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images

New York, which was one of the worst-affected states at the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, made it mandatory for everyone over the age of 2 to wear a face mask in public on April 17.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has been very vocal about wearing face coverings while out, regularly reminding residents on Twitter.

New York, which was one of the worst-affected states at the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, made it mandatory for everyone over the age of 2 to wear a face mask in public on April 17.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has been very vocal about wearing face coverings while out, regularly reminding residents on Twitter.

15. Pennsylvania

Organizers prepare the voting screens at the Pennsylvania primary in Jackson Township near Zelienople, Pennsylvania, on June 1, 2020. Associated Press

Essential businesses must give their employees masks and are allowed to deny customers entry for those not wearing one, according to an order from Pennsylvania's Department of Health which went into effect on May 8.

The rule on mask-wearing also applies to people on public transport, according to Pennlive.

16. Rhode Island

Carousel workers take the horses for a spin at the Watch Hill Merry-Go-Round in Westerly, Rhode Island, on June 10, 2020. John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Rhode Island residents are required to wear face masks in all public settings, whether these are indoors or outdoors.

Gov. Gina Raimondo told news reporters on May 5: "You don't leave your house without your car keys or your phone or your wallet, so don't leave your house without your face mask," NECN reported.

"We're trying to strike a balance between compliance... but we don't want to be overly heavy-handed," she added.

A few days later, the mayor of Providence, Rhode Island encouraged state residents to "socially shame" people not wearing masks, according to USA Today.