Wear Face Mask or Go to Jail, COVID-19 Battle Enters New Phase in U.S. as 16,000 Die …$1000 Penalty

Matilda Omonaiye/

Starting from this Friday, face mask wearing is now mandatory for everybody in cities and counties across the United States (U.S.) to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic, says the authorities.

NewsmakersNG learnt from U.S. authorities that the penalty for not wearing face mask is $1000 fine or 90 days in jail.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of Thursday which marked 100 days that it was notified of COVID-19, over 1.3million people have been infected and almost 80, 000 have lost their lives.

The U.S. has recorded over 16, 000 deaths, a figure more than Italy, Spain and France combined.

Last week the U.S. government reversed its previous position on face coverings, issuing guidance that urges people to wear them in public places. President Trump stopped short of saying it should be required, but some local officials have taken enforcement into their own hands.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti on Tuesday ordered all residents to wear face coverings when visiting grocery stores, pharmacies and other essential businesses, as well as when entering ride-booking vehicles. This law is enforceable with a fine, imprisonment or both. The city of Miami has issued a similar order.

And closer to the nation’s capital, Montgomery County, a suburb of 1 million, announced Thursday that all shoppers must wear face coverings in grocery stores, pharmacies and other retail establishments starting Monday.