Following new guidance from the state, the City of San Luis Obispo is helping to get the word out to local businesses and educate the community on the latest mandates regarding COVID-19.
Wearing a mask in public will now be a policy whether indoors or outdoors.
The City of SLO says they have increased proactive patrols and enforcement and will continue to provide education but still expect the community to step up to do the right thing.
Some feel that not all are following the new guidelines.
“If they’re inside they’re wearing it, but if they’re just walking with a group of friends I notice that they’re not wearing them or they’re constantly sipping on a beverage so you don’t have to wear a mask," said Natalie Goldstein, San Luis Obispo resident.
San Luis Obispo Police say they are still in the process of determining what enforcement will look like throughout the city and are working with city officials to ensure both residents and business owners have a clear understanding of the guidelines.
They have not issued any citations yet related to mask enforcement violations.
Melissa James, co-owner of Junkgirls, says most customers have been compliant about wearing a mask in the store.
“Honestly, I can count on one hand how many people have actually turned around and left because of the policy. Everyone has been so supportive," James said.
Enforcing these policies though, can present challenges to some restaurants, as they have moved back into fully outdoor operations.
"It would be a problem sometimes if people walked through without a mask and I would have to tell them, 'can you please put a mask on,'" said Patricia Koberl, owner of Koberl at Blue. "They didn’t appreciate it because it is a public street.”
The City of San Luis Obispo says it notified businesses on November 16 with an update on the new state rules and will continue to update them as new information becomes available.
