SAN ANTONIO — The City of San Antonio and Bexar County will now require anyone over the age of 10 to wear a cloth facial covering in public.

Starts April 20

Applies to anyone over the age of 10

Public should use cloth facial coverings

Cloth face coverings can be homemade masks, scarfs, bandanas, or a handkerchief. The city says the public should reserve medical grade masks and N95 respirators for first responders and health care workers, in addition to social distancing.

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“This additional step to thwart the highly contagious coronavirus is an important tool for when people must be in public, but masks are not a substitute for social distancing” said Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “If we continue working together, we will save lives and limit the damage being caused by this virus.”

The use of face coverings in public is now mandatory for #SATX residents 10 years or older. Face coverings must be used where it is difficult to maintain a distance of 6 feet or more & when working in areas that involve close proximity to others. Details: https://t.co/CWlpI1wyJn pic.twitter.com/Q9CT9uN1ZU — City of San Antonio🧼+👐=💯 (@COSAGOV) April 16, 2020

By Monday, April 20, employers that are operating as exempted businesses must provide face coverings and training for appropriate use to employees who are working in an area or activity which will necessarily involve close contact to co-workers or the public.

“It is critically important that we all do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19. The first line of defense against COVID-19 is to stay home when you can. If you need to leave your home for essential activities, then your second line of defense is a cloth face covering,” said Metro Health Director Dr. Dawn Emerick. “It is important to remember -- cloth face coverings and gloves are not a replacement for proper social distancing, frequent handwashing and self-isolation when sick.”

During the daily press briefing, Nirenberg said there are 918 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Out of those cases, 176 have recovered and there have been 37 deaths.

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