According to CDC guidelines, Masks and face coverings are recommended, but not required, for Americans who go out in public during the coronavirus pandemic.
But some states took that guidance further, and they’re requiring all residents to cover their faces when they visit essential businesses or use public transportation.
These are the states that require you to wear a face mask in public!
Connecticut State of Connecticut Executive Order 7BB
Some form of face mask is mandatory for everyone over the age of two, effective beginning April 20.
Hawaii
Beginning April 20, Hawaii residents should have a face covering in public places.
Maryland
Maryland Residents over age 9 will also be required to wear a face mask or covering while using public transport and when purchasing in essential ”retail or food service” establishments. The same applies to staff members at essential businesses.
New Jersey
The first state to introduce such a mandate, From April 8, workers and customers at essential businesses and construction sites.
Employees and commuters on New Jersey public transportation and private carriers must wear face coverings while on trains, buses and light rails. If they refuse to wear them, they may be denied entry.
New York
Effective April 17, New Yorkers over the age of two need to wear masks or face coverings when social distancing isn’t or cannot be maintained.
Pennsylvania
Effective April 19, Anyone over the age of two must wear a mask, unless they have a medical condition that prevents it.
Pennsylvania is now enforcing an order that requires face masks to be worn by workers and customers at essential businesses.
The order requires businesses to deny entry to customers who do not wear masks, “unless the business is providing medication, medical supplies, or food, in which case the business must provide alternative methods of pick-up or delivery of such goods,”
Rhode Island
Effective April 18, employees at fundamental businesses must wear a face mask or covering.
The CDC had previously urged people not to wear masks, saying that gave people a false sense of security.
But authorities changed those guidelines after scientists realized that about 1 in 4 people with coronavirus are asymptomatic. That means people who don’t feel sick could unknowingly transmit it to others.