Following new facial covering requirements issued by the County of Orange on Tuesday, April 21, the City of Tustin rescinded its emergency order issued on Monday, April 20 to align with county guidance and reduce confusion for residents.

The Countywide order, which goes into effect at midnight on Friday April 24, requires all employees who have contact with the public in any grocery, pharmacy, drug, convenience store, gas station, restaurant, food preparation, and retail store to wear a cloth face covering as described in the California Department of Public Health Face Covering Guidance.

“Since the onset of COVID-19, the City of Tustin has remained focused on protecting our first responders and essential workers in order to continue providing essential service to the community,” Mayor Dr. Allan Bernstein said. “The County’s new facial covering requirements help to prioritize our commitment to the health and safety of our community, flattening the curve, and being able to get back to normal as soon as possible.”

In addition to implementation of facial covering requirements, Tustin officials stressed the importance of already-mandated measures such as staying home and social distancing, adding a strong recommendation for compliance with BOTH social distancing and face coverings when conducting essential activities.

“It should be underscored that one measure does not replace the other,” stated Mayor Bernstein. “Just because someone is wearing a face mask does not make it safe to be closer than six feet apart.”