By Lookout News

July 2, 2020 -- Santa Monica customers who don't wear face coverings or maintain social distancing can be refused service and fined, according to an order issued by the City Thursday.

Businesses must also "take all reasonable steps" to ensure customers who enter or stand in line to enter abide by the order, City officials said.

The order authorizes fines of $100 for the first violation, $250 for the second and $500 for the third violation.

Businesses face fines of $500 for the first violation, and $750 and $1,000, for the second and third violations.

The supplemental order clarifies that the face coverings must be worn when "individuals are or can be in contact with or walking near or past others who are non-household members in both public and private spaces."

These include walking through common areas such as hallways, stairways, elevators and parking facilities, officials said.

"A face covering must be visible and ready to be immediately put on whenever a moving person approaches within 30 feet of a non-household member," according to the order.

Interim City Manager Lane Dilg said face coverings are "essential."

“As public health experts have shared widely this week, we are in a dangerous period with dramatic increases in cases and hospitalizations,” said Interim City Manager Lane Dilg.

“It is a critical time to save lives by wearing face coverings whenever we are outside of our homes and (by) not gathering with people outside of our households,” Dilg said.

The order applies to those attending protests, entering government and health care facilities, "waiting for or riding public transportation or paratransit or while in a taxi, private car service, or ride-sharing vehicle."

Coverings must also be worn by those interacting with the public or "working in any space visited by members of the public, regardless of whether anyone from the public is present at the time."

In addition, the order covers those "working in any space where food is prepared or packaged for sale or distribution to others."

The order exempts children under two years of age, persons with a medical condition that prevents wearing a face covering, those engaged in water activities or those who are eating or drinking.

Also exempted are those who are outdoors alone or with household members, are stationary and are "maintaining at least six feet between the edge of the area they are in and the edge of the next closest person’s area."

The order is in effect until July 31.

For the latest information, visit santamonica.gov/coronavirus, or call the City’s Coronavirus Hotline at (310) 458-8400.