The Humboldt County Health Officer has issued a Health Order requiring the use of facial coverings to further manage the spread of COVID-19. The order will be in effect starting at 12:01 a.m. Friday, April 24, and until it is modified or rescinded by the Health Officer.

The Order states people must wear a facial covering before they enter:

Any indoor facility except for their own residence
Any enclosed space
Any outdoor space where individuals are unable to maintain at all times a distance of six feet from others.

To view the Order in its entirety, please click HERE

Facial coverings should not be placed on children under the age of 2, people who have difficulty breathing or anyone who cannot remove the material without assistance.

Community members are asked not to purchase medical grade surgical or N95 respirator masks, which should be reserved for health care workers. Facial coverings should be regularly washed and sanitized, or changed, and wearers are advised to wash their hands after touching or adjusting their facial coverings.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers these facial covering guidelines:

-fits snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
-is secured with ties or ear loops
-includes multiple layers of fabric
-allows for breathing without restriction
-is able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape.

Local retailers are offering facial coverings for sale, some of which are listed below. Please call ahead to check availability.
Bubbles – 1031 H St., Arcata – 707-822-3450
North Coast Co-Op – 811 I St., Arcata – 707-822-5947
North Coast Co-Op – 25 Fourth St., Eureka – 707-443-6027
Left in Stitches – 905 I St., Fortuna – 707-617-2540
Organic Grace – 906 Redwood Drive, Garberville – 707-923-1296
River Song Natural Foods – 80 Country Club Drive, Willow Creek – 530-629-3148
NOVID-4Me – www.novid4me.com – Online orders only; Arcata-based business

The CDC provides detailed instructions on ways to create various types of facial coverings using common household items. Please use the following link to view CDC recommendations:
CDC Facial Covering Guidelines