More than 20 US states are now requiring residents to wear face masks when in public

california coronavirus mask Mike Blake/Reuters

While 47 out of 50 US states have some form of face mask guidelines in place, 21 of those have implemented orders that make it mandatory to wear them in public.
In these states, residents are required to wear a mask outside at all times when social distancing isn't possible, and also face penalties if they don't.
Three states — Iowa, Montana, South Dakota — have no mask requirements at all.
According to official guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) everyone should be wearing face coverings in "public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain."
Scroll down to see which states have mandated the use of face masks in public as the country continues to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
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As coronavirus cases continue to climb across the country, more state officials have made the use of masks or face coverings mandatory in public.

Currently, 47 out of 50 states have some form of face mask guidelines in place, but some are more lenient than others.

The most strict mask requirements exist in a total of 19 states, where residents are required to wear a mask outside at all times when social distancing isn't possible, and also face penalties if they don't abide by the rules.

It differs from the more lenient states that, for example, only make people wear masks in certain businesses. Three states — Iowa, Montana, South Dakota — have no mask requirements at all.

The official guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that everyone should be wearing face coverings in "public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain."

A recent study found that the use of face masks has been the most effective way to reduce person-to-person spread of the virus.

The US has seen one of its worst weeks since the start of the outbreak, recording more than 3.2 million cases and more than 134,580 deaths to date, according data analyzed by Johns Hopkins University. On Friday, the US reported more than 68,000 new COVID-19 cases, setting an all-time high for the seventh time in the past 11 days, according to an analysis by The New York Times.

Scroll down to see which states have mandated the use of face coverings in public.

1. California

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Gov. Gavin Newsom issues the order to make mask-wearing mandatory in most public places on June 19.

Under the new law, all Californians must wear some type of face coverings in public, including while shopping, taking public transport, or seeking medical care, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The same applies to public outdoor spaces where social distancing is not an option.

"Simply put, we are seeing too many people with faces uncovered — putting at risk the real progress we have made in fighting the disease," Newsom said in a statement.

"California's strategy to restart the economy and get people back to work will only be successful if people act safely and follow health recommendations."

There were no more details about how the order will be enforced or if violators will face any punishments, CNN reported.

2. Connecticut

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Any Connecticut resident over the age of 2 must wear a face mask in a public space where social distancing isn't possible, according to an executive order signed by Gov. Ned Lamont that came into effect on April 10.

This also includes public transport.

The only people exempt from this order are those with a medical condition, NBC Connecticut reported.

However if anyone refuses to wear a face covering, they aren't required to provide proof that they're medically exempt.

3. Delaware

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Delawareans are required to wear face coverings in public places including in grocery stores, pharmacies, doctor's offices, and on any form of public transportation, according to a statement issued by Gov. John Carney on April 20.

Only children under the age of 12 are exempted from this rule, due to the risk of suffocation.

"Wearing a face covering in public settings is important to prevent transmission of this disease. But wearing a face-covering is not permission to go out in public more often," the statement said.

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