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1. How long will the ordinance be in effect?

The ordinance will be in effect for 60 days from the date passed.

2. Where will the ordinance be enforced?

In any public space, indoor or outdoor, where physical distancing of at least 6 feet cannot be maintained.

3. What constitutes a public place?

For the purpose of this ordinance, a public place shall mean any place open to all members of the public without specific invitation, including but not necessarily limited to, retail business establishments, government offices, medical, educational, arts and recreational institutions, public transportation, including taxi cabs and rideshare vehicles. “Members of the public” shall mean persons not therein employed, or present without invitation.

4. Will I have to wear a mask on the Canyon Rim Trail or in city parks?

No, unless physical distancing yourself more than 6 feet from someone not in your household is not possible.

5. Will I have to wear a mask while in my own personal vehicle?

No. The ordinance specifically addresses public places where physical distancing is not possible.

6. Will there be exemptions made?

Yes. Per the language in the ordinance, exemptions will include:

•    Children under the age of 5.

•    Persons who cannot medically tolerate wearing a face covering. A person is not required to provide documentation demonstrating that the person cannot medically tolerate wearing a face covering.

•    Persons who are hearing impaired, or communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, 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 regulators or workplace safety guidelines.

•    Persons who are obtaining a service involving the nose, face, or head for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service.

•    Persons who are eating or drinking at a restaurant or other establishment that offers food or beverage service, so long as the person is able to maintain a distance of 6 feet away from persons who are not members of the same household or party as the person.

•    Outdoor public places where a person can employ physical distancing as recommended by CDC where the person is able to maintain a distance of 6 feet away from persons who are not members of the same household or party as the person.

•    Youth or adult athletes actively competing in a sporting event where masking is not possible. 

•    Persons who are engaged in indoor exercise or recreational activity, so long as they engage in physical distancing.

•    Persons who are participating in a court proceeding wherein the presiding judge authorizes the face covering to be removed. 

•    Persons who are participating in Educational Activities. Educational Activities means activities involving students taught by an educator in a school or equivalent setting.  

•    Persons who are participating in religious activities.

7. If I have a medical reason I cannot wear a mask will I have to provide documentation to prove this?

No, persons who cannot medically tolerate wearing a face covering will not be required to provide documentation demonstrating that the person cannot wear a mask.

8. Who will enforce the ordinance?

The Twin Falls Police Department through both enforcement and education.

9. Is there a penalty for non-compliance?

Yes. Anyone that violates the ordinance will be guilty of an infraction, punishable by a fine of $50 plus court costs.

10. Where can I get reusable face coverings?

The City of Twin Falls purchased masks for the community using their CARES Act funds in September. These masks are available at City Hall, the Public Library, and at all schools in the Twin Falls School District.

11. Should I say something if someone is not wearing a mask?

Someone may have a medical reason for not wearing a face covering. Whether those around you are wearing face coverings or not, focus on keeping 6 feet of distance between you and washing your hands often.

12. How do I report someone for not wearing a mask?

You can call Police Administration at (208) 735-7209, Code Compliance at (208) 735-7335 or 3-11. There will be an email form available on the city’s website at www.tfid.org.