California community orders all residents to wear masks, or risk $1,000 fine

California's San Bernardino County on Wednesday issued a formal order that everyone must wear a face covering when leaving their home. Approved masks must cover the mouth and nose.

Dr. Erin Gustafson, the California County’s acting Public Health officer, also included in the order that faith-based services must be conducted electronically only.

Curt Hagman, chairman of the Board of Supervisors said: “We understand that this is an important time for Christians around the world and it is natural to want to worship and celebrate with our families. ... We can still celebrate this time from the safety of our individual homes while wee help flatten the curve and save lives."

Wednesday night also marks the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Passover.

San Bernardino now has 530 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 16 deaths that have been associated with the illness.

Any violation of the health officer’s order is a crime punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and/or 90 days in jail.