California issues statewide order requiring coronavirus masks outside of home

California is now requiring people throughout the state to wear masks when leaving their homes – in most indoor settings and outdoors when coronavirus social distancing is not possible. 

The order Thursday comes as over 3,400 patients statewide are hospitalized with the disease, the most since April, according to the Associated Press.

California along with a few other states including Arizona, Florida and North Carolina have had a recent increase in virus-related numbers as they reopen their economies. 

“Science shows that face coverings and masks work,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement upon issuing the order. “They are critical to keeping those who are around you safe, keeping businesses open and restarting our economy.”

The Democratic governor had allowed local governments to decide whether to require people to wear masks in their area. He said he issued the statewide order because too many people are going out in public without face coverings amid the reopening.