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1. Who is required to wear a facial covering?

• Persons who are providing an essential service during direct in-person interactions with any customer or other member of the public.

• Persons obtaining an essential service at establishments including, but not limited to, grocery stores, restaurants, and pharmacies.

• Persons using public transit, taxis, vehicles for hire, and/or other ride sharing arrangements.

2. Who is not required to wear a facial covering?

• Persons who are providing an essential service but are not having direct in-person interactions with any customer or other member of the public.

• Persons engaged in any outdoor essential activity permitted (e.g. walking, biking, or hiking) under any applicable City, County, or State order. However, individuals are reminded to continue practicing social distancing guidelines while outdoors.

• Children under the age of two (2).

• Persons who otherwise have difficulty breathing or have another medical condition that does not allow them to safely use a facial covering.

• Children at childcare facilities while under the care of such facility.

• Public safety, fire, or other life safety personnel.

• Persons who have a religious objection.

3. Who defines “Essential Services” and “Essential Activities”?

The Governor’s Executive Orders 20-89 and 20-91 define "essential services" and "essential activities." These orders supersede any definitions previously defined in Broward County emergency orders.

4. Can places of business deny me entry into their establishment if I am not wearing a facial covering?

Yes. Under Broward County Emergency Order 20-12, facial covering is required. A business may deny service to those not wearing a facial covering

5. Does this order require children at childcare facilities to wear a facial covering?

No. Children at childcare facilities are not required to wear facial coverings while under the care of such facility.

6. What type of facial covering should I wear?

The CDC recommends wearing cloth coverings that cover your nose and mouth. The cloth facial coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance. CDC guidance on selection, use, and sanitation of facial coverings can be found here.

7. Does wearing a facial covering exempt me from any other social distancing requirements?

No. This order is in addition to, and does not modify, any social distancing requirements imposed by other applicable orders.

8. How should I dispose of my personal protective equipment?

Facial coverings and other disposable personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves must be discarded in a waste receptacle; littering of any personal protective equipment is unlawful and prohibited.

9. Does this order apply to police officers and firefighters?

No. This order does not apply to public safety, fire, or other life safety personnel, as their personal protective equipment requirements will be governed by their respective agencies.