PRESS RELEASE
CITY OF BENICIA
City Hall
250 East L Street
Benicia, California 94510

Contact: 
Lorie Tinfow, City Manager
ltinfow@ci.benicia.ca.us

CITY OF BENICIA UPDATE ON COVID-19 

FOR JUNE 18, 2020 

Governor Requires Face Coverings Statewide  

Benicia, CA (June 18, 2020) – Today, Governor Newsom issued an order requiring face coverings be worn statewide by all persons over the age of two within indoor public places and when social distancing is not possible. The Governor’s action follows the unanimous approval of a resolution by Benicia City Council on Tuesday evening mandating the wearing of face coverings in order to curtail the spread of COVID-19 in Benicia. 

The State’s order mirrors Benicia’s resolution with the exception that the State’s requirements apply to all persons over the age of two. Benicia’s requirements set the age at those over 12 years; the State’s order supersedes the City of Benicia resolution. Some exceptions apply, including for those under two years old, those who need to communicate via sign language and those seated at a restaurant. 

The Benicia City Council resolution and Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings provided by the California Department of Public Health, issued today, may be viewed at www.ci.benicia.ca.us/coronavirus. 

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that face coverings be worn in all circumstances when social distancing is not possible,” said City Manager Lorie Tinfow. “The CDC’s recommendation is based on data showing the use of face coverings decreases the likelihood of COVID-19 being spread. The action by the Governor and Benicia City Council helps protect our residents, workers and visitors.” 

Solano County Public Health and other organizations are sponsoring a free reusable mask giveaway on Friday, June 19, 2020, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (top parking lot) in Vallejo. Additional free giveaways are scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Mouth Calvary Baptist in Fairfield and 2 – 4 p.m. at Miracle Christian Worship Center in Dixon. 

Solano County has a coronavirus warmline to answer questions about COVID- 19, including questions about reopening activities. Call 707.784.8988 or email covid19@solanocounty.com, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. 

The City of Benicia also has a community services phone line for COVID-19 questions, concerns and information of free face coverings; call 707.746.4285 or email pcs@ci.benicia.ca.us. 

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