Johnson County Public Health
Face Covering Regulation
2020
Section I
Authority and Applicability
1.01 Iowa Code 137.104 provides that, “a local board of health shall…make and enforce such reasonable
rules and regulations not inconsistent with law and the rules of the state board as may be necessary for
the protection and improvement of the public health.”
1.02 The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, also referred to as COVID-19, is a virus that primarily spreads
from person to person and can result in serious illness or death.
1.03 The Johnson County Board of Health finds that COVID-19 poses a continuing and immediate threat
to the public health of Johnson County, Iowa residents and visitors.
Section II
Definitions
2.01 “ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY” means the local board of health as authorized by Iowa Code
Chapter 137, or its appointed representative.
2.02 “THE BOARD” means the Johnson County Board of health
2.03 “THE COUNTY” means Johnson County, Iowa
2.04 “FACE COVERING” means a material that securely covers a person’s nose and mouth and remains
affixed in place without the use of one’s hands, whether purchased or homemade, and consistent with
the Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines
2.05 “HOUSEHOLD MEMBER” means a person who lives a majority of time with the person in their
apartment, house, mobile home, or other structure intended for residential occupancy
2.06 “INDOOR PUBLIC SETTING” means an enclosed area to which the public is invited
Section III
General Regulations
Therefore, pursuant to Iowa Code 137.104, be it hereby ordered and enforced by the Board as the
Administrative Authority, as follows:
3.01 Every person in Johnson County shall wear a face covering when:
A. In public as opposed to being in ones place of residence, when one cannot stay six (6) feet away
from others
B. Inside of any indoor public settings, for example, but not limited to:
1. Grocery stores
2. Pharmacies
3. Hardware stores

 4. Retail stores
5. Other public settings that are not ones place of residence and when you are with
persons who do not live in the household
C. Outside, if keeping six (6) feet away from others is not possible
D. Using public transportation or private car service (including taxis, ride share, or carpooling)
3.02 Exemptions. Places and times where persons are exempt from wearing a face covering:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.

While traveling in a personal vehicle alone or with household members
While a person is alone or in is in the presence of only household members
While exercising at moderate or high intensity e.g. jogging or biking
While seated at a bar or food establishment in the process of eating or drinking
While obtaining a service that would require temporary removal of the persons face covering
When federal or state law prohibits wearing a face covering or requires the removal of the face
covering

3.03 Exemptions. Persons who are exempt from wearing a face covering:
A. Persons younger than 2 years old due to the risk of suffocation
B. Anyone who has trouble breathing, on oxygen therapy or ventilator
C. Anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the cloth face
covering without assistance
D. Anyone who has been told by a medical, legal, or behavioral health professional not to wear
face coverings
3.04 Appropriate Use. If a cloth face covering is chosen, appropriate use of a cloth face covering
includes:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.

A snug fit, but comfortable against the side of the face
Completely covers the nose and mouth
Is secured with ties or ear loops
Includes multiple layers of fabric
Allows for breathing without restriction
Can be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape
Section IV
Enforcement, Penalties and Implementation

4.01 The following ordinance is not intended to be punitive or stigmatizing and is in the best interest of
health, safety, and economic recovery. A violation shall constitute a simple misdemeanor.
4.02 The first offense shall be punishable by the minimum fine for a simple misdemeanor.
4.03 The second or subsequent offense shall be punishable by a fine up to the maximum fine for a
simple misdemeanor.
4.05 This ordinance shall become effective upon approval of the Board of Supervisors and publication in
the local paper of record as described in Iowa Code section 137.104(1)(b)(2).

 4.06 This ordinance will expire when the Governor’s proclamation of disaster emergency expires or
when the Johnson County Board of Supervisors’ declaration of public health disaster expires, whichever
date is later.

Issued this ____day of _______ 2020.

By:

____________________________________________
Peter Wallace, MD
Chairperson, Johnson County Board of Health

Attest: ____________________________________________