IRVINE, Calif. (April 8, 2020): Today, Irvine City Manager John Russo, in his capacity as Director of Emergency Services, released an Executive Order requiring all retail personnel in the City of Irvine to wear face coverings.
Effective today, Wednesday, April 8, 2020, the Order states that essential businesses within the City that provide sales of retail goods and/or food and/or banking services, and remain in operation during this time, shall require their employees to wear face coverings such as scarves, bandanas, neck gaiters, or other fabric face coverings.

“This Order is for the overall protection of our community. The health and well-being of our residents, families, and business employees must be our top priority,” stated Mayor Christina L. Shea. “Many of our essential business are unable to exercise physical distancing due to the nature of their work. By wearing face coverings, we are protecting each other from this horrible virus.”
This executive order applies to all essential retail businesses including, but not limited to:
- Grocery stores
- Pharmacies
- Restaurants providing take-out or delivery services
- Home Improvement stores
- Gas Stations
- Convenience stores
- Banks, Savings and Loans, and Credit Unions
It is important to note that face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing and hand washing. The use of cloth face coverings could reduce the transmission of COVID-19 by individuals who do not have symptoms and may reinforce social distancing.
Read the full Executive Order here
For more information about the use of face coverings or to find a provider, visit cityofirvine.org/covid19.
Since its incorporation in 1971, Irvine has become a nationally recognized city, with a population of 280,202 that spans 66 square miles and is recognized as one of America’s safest and most successful master-planned urban communities. Top-rated educational institutions, an enterprising business atmosphere, sound environmental stewardship, and respect for diversity all contribute to Irvine’s enviable quality of life. This family-friendly city features more than 16,000 acres of parks, sports fields and dedicated open space and is the home of the Orange County Great Park. For more information, please visit cityofirvine.org.