CMA President Peter N. Bretan, Jr., M.D. Issued the following statement in support of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s new executive order on face coverings:

"Wearing face coverings in public slows the spread of COVID-19 and saves lives. The Newsom Administration’s action today sends a clear message to Californians that wearing face coverings in public is an important public safety measure that will slow the transmission of the coronavirus, and make it more likely our state can stay on a path toward reopening.

"We hope this order will offer some support and protection for local public health officers who have been placed in untenable situations in counties across California, coming under attack for simply doing what science tells us is necessary to protect public health. The job these public servants perform is critical to the well-being of communities across California, and we must continue to stand up to those who reject science and try to bully or harass local health officers for their own cynical political ends.

"Today’s action is a reminder that the COVID-19 crisis is not over. We must continue to have a coordinated state and local response to this pandemic, and support public officials at the state and local level who are doing everything they can to keep Californians safe. This order offers clear, consistent guidance for all Californians to ensure we all do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19, including using face coverings when we are around other people."