SANTA MONICA—Santa Monica Interim City Manager Lane Dilg clarified face mask requirements and announced penalties for those not wearing masks when required, as stated in the newly issued declaration of a local emergency supplement on Thursday, July 2.

“Face coverings are essential. I encourage everyone to try different styles to find what works for you. But it is a critical time to save lives by wearing face coverings whenever we are outside of our homes and not gathering with people outside of our households,” Dilg said in a statement.

For those not wearing face masks when required, administrative citations will be $100 for the first violation, $250 for a second violation, and $500 for a third violation. For businesses, the penalties are $500, $750, and $1000 respectively per each citation.

Under the 20th supplement, a face mask is required anytime one is in contact, walking near, or past a non-household member in both private and public spaces. This includes, but is not limited to: hallways, stairs, elevators, and parking lots.

A mask is required at all businesses and restaurants, including when standing in line. Whenever one is being treated or seeing a healthcare provider, a mask is required unless otherwise instructed by a healthcare provider.

When waiting for public transit vehicles, taxis, a private car service, or a ride-sharing vehicle, a mask is required at all times. For those driving a public transit vehicle, taxis, a private car service, or a ride-sharing vehicle, a mask is required when passengers are present.

In regard to work, a mask is required whenever one is working in a business or off-site space (besides one’s residence), when working in a space that is visited by the public at any time, and in any spaces where food is being prepared. A mask is also required when working in a room with non-household members if six feet of space cannot be maintained.

The supplement also clarifies when face masks are not required. Anyone younger than two is exempt from wearing a face mask. Those who have or are communicating with those who have impaired hearing are exempt. Exemptions are allowed if a mask creates a risk for work-related tasks or for services that require the removal of a mask.

If outdoors and maintaining six feet of personal space, a mask is not required, as well as if one is swimming, surfing, or engaging in any water activity. If eating or drinking at a restaurant compliant with health protocols, a mask is also not required. The supplement also excuses those with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability from wearing a mask, but did not specify what conditions would or would not qualify.

Free lawn and retail signs reminding the community to wear a mask are available for pickup at the Downtown Santa Monica Farmer’s Market Info Booth on Saturdays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. or the Main Street Visitor Information Center every Wednesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.