CBJ extends requirement to wear face coverings

People in Juneau are still required to wear a mask or face covering over their nose and mouth when they are indoors in public settings or communal spaces outside the home. The City and Borough of Juneau Assembly on Monday passed an emergency ordinance extending the requirement originally set to expire December 20.

The emergency ordinance also requires individuals to wear a mask when they’re at an outdoor gathering, or when they’re outdoors and can’t maintain 6-feet social distance from non-household/non-bubble members. The ordinance is set to last until mid-June, unless the Assembly ends it earlier. There are exceptions for people with disabilities and young children, as well as specific language about face shields. Read the full ordinance here and FAQs on the ordinance here.

Examples of places you’re required to wear a mask include, but are not limited to:

• Grocery stores, pharmacies, and all other retail stores.
• Restaurants, cafes, bars, and breweries – including food preparation, carry-out, and delivery food operations. There is a limited exception for customers while they are eating or drinking in one of these settings.
• Buses, taxis, and other forms of public transportation when passengers are present.
• Personal care facilities.
• Indoor gyms and recreation spaces.
• Communal areas of offices where people from multiple households are present.
• Elevators and indoor communal spaces in other buildings.

Under this emergency ordinance, masking is required for anyone 5 years of age and older, and is recommended for children ages 2-5. Children under the age of 2 should not wear a face covering because of the risk of suffocation.

While the COVID-19 vaccine is currently being rolled out in Juneau, masking is still essential. It will still be some months until the vaccine is widely available to the general population. In addition, information is limited on how effective the vaccine is at reducing transmission of SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and how long protection lasts. Given this, vaccinated individuals should continue to follow all current guidance to protect themselves and others, including masking.

For more information, email [email protected] or go to the Mask Ordinance & Face Coverings FAQs page.