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1. How do I wear a mask/face covering?

Masks / face coverings should:

• fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• be secured with ties or ear loops
• include multiple layers of fabric
• allow for breathing without restriction
• be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

When wearing a mask / face covering:

• make sure you can breathe through it
• wear it whenever social distancing measures are difficult to maintain
• wash after using

2. How should I care for a mask / face covering?

It’s a good idea to wash your mask / face covering frequently, ideally after each use, or at least daily. Have a bag or bin to keep masks / face coverings in until they can be laundered with detergent and hot water and dried on a hot cycle. If you must re-wear your mask / face covering before washing, wash your hands immediately after putting it back on and avoid touching your face.

Discard masks / face coverings that: 

• No longer cover the nose and mouth
• Have stretched out or damaged ties or straps 
• Cannot stay on the face 
• Have holes or tears in the fabric

3. Are masks required for outdoor events/activities?

No. For outdoor events (that do not require a permit by the city), masks are not required. However, you are highly encouraged to wear a mask, especially if social distancing of six feet is not possible.

4. What are some of the exceptions for wearing masks / face coverings?

A mask / face covering does not need to be worn by an individual who meets one of the following exceptions:

• Persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a face covering-this includes persons with a medical condition for whom wearing a face covering could obstruct breathing or who are unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove a face covering without assistance
• Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing, or when communicating with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication
• Persons for whom wearing a face covering would create a risk to the person related to their work, as determined by local, state, or federal regulations or workplace safety guidelines
• Persons who are obtaining a service involving the nose or face for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service
• Persons who are seated at a restaurant or other establishment that offers food or beverage service, while they are eating or drinking, provided they maintain a 6-foot distance between individuals (not including individuals who reside together or are seated together) with only infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity
• Athletes and participants who are engaged in an organized sports activity that allows athletes to maintain a 6-foot distance from others with only infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity
• Persons who are engaged in an activity that a professional or recreational association, public regulatory entity, medical association, or other public health oriented entity has determined cannot be safely conducted while wearing a mask or other face covering and where other protections and precautions are established and utilized
• Persons attending educational institutions where the public and private schools through 12th grade, colleges, and universities have implemented protections
• Persons engaged in church and religious places of worship which may implement their own protections.

Children under two (2) years of age should not wear a mask / face covering.

5. Do I have to wear a mask if there is a plastic/acrylic barrier?

Yes, individuals standing behind plastic/acrylic barriers will still need to wear a mask unless 6’ of social distancing can be maintained.

6. Are business owners required to enforce the mask mandate?

No, business owners are not required to enforce the mask mandate. Individuals (i.e customers/clients) are responsible to follow the rules set forth in the mask mandate; however, business owners are encouraged to take the Brookings Stay Safe Pledge and reserve the right to refuse service to a non-compliant individual if they choose. Business owners are responsible for making sure that their employees as well as themselves are compliant. If there is an issue, the business may call the Brookings Police Department non-emergency line at 605-692-2113.

7. What if a customer refuses to wear a mask?

If there is an issue, businesses can call the Brookings Police Department non-emergency line to report non-compliance. Customers who have medical requirements that do not allow them to wear masks can simply state so and no verification should be required. If there appears to be unwarranted use of this exemption, the City will likely review, but we hope people will be honest in use of this exemption. Businesses can reserve the right to refuse service. If social distancing is available and observed by everyone, the business may choose to recognize this circumstance and masks are not required in this instance.

8. Do I have to provide masks to customers?

Businesses are not required to provide masks for customers, but it is encouraged. Individuals are responsible for acquiring and providing their own face covering. The City of Brookings has face coverings available for residents who do not have one.

9. Do I have to post signage stating that masks are required?

Businesses are not required to post signage stating that masks are required, however, it is encouraged.

10. How do I report people who are not following the ordinance?

To report a violation or concern, contact the Brookings Police Department Non-Emergency Line: 605-692-6323

11. What happens if I get “caught” not following the ordinance?

The goal of the ordinance is to provide safety and well-being for all community members through clear communication and education. Individuals who are not following the ordinance may face a fine for non-compliance.

12. If I maintain 6’ between my coworkers and myself, do we have to wear masks?

If social distancing of 6’ or more is being practiced in an indoor space (or waiting in line to enter an indoor space), masks are not required. The wearing of face coverings is, however, highly encouraged.

13. Is the mandate enforceable at private events within a business or after hours?

Buildings or businesses that are zoned commercial or considered a commercial space must adhere to the mandate at all times.

14. What is a City-sanctioned event?

A City-sanctioned event is any event that requires a permit from the City of Brookings to happen. An example of this would be an event that requires a street closure, like a parade.