Gov. Tom Wolf is reminding Pennsylvanians mask-wearing is required and critical to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“The order to make mask-wearing mandatory when leaving home was put in place to protect all Pennsylvanians from the spread of COVID-19,” Wolf said. “This simple practice, combined with social distancing, handwashing and staying home if sick, is paramount to stopping this virus from infecting more people. I again urge Pennsylvanians to mask up for the protection of everyone.”

Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine signed an order mandating mask-wearing July 1. It remains in effect.

The following questions and answers were provided on the Department of Health’s website.

•What type of mask complies with this order?

The order requires individuals to wear a face covering which means a covering of the nose and mouth secured to the head with ties, straps or loops over the ears or is wrapped around the lower face. A face covering can be made of a variety of synthetic or natural fabrics, including cotton, silk or linen and, for the purposes of the order, can include a plastic face shield that covers the nose and mouth.

•If I’m inside a public place and can maintain social distancing, do I need to wear a mask?

Yes, unless you fit one of the exceptions included in Section 3 of the order.

•Do I have to wear a mask both inside and outside?

The secretary’s order requires individuals to wear a face covering, in both indoor public places and in the outdoors when they are not able to consistently maintain social distancing from individuals who are not members of their household, such as on a busy sidewalk, waiting in line to enter a place or near others at any place people are congregating.

•Do I need to wear a mask when around my family members?

A face covering is not necessary when inside the household with only individuals who are part of the same household as you, or when outdoors and able to consistently maintain social distancing from those who are not part of your household. If you and the individuals who live in your household are around others from outside of your household such as extended family members who do not live in the same household, a face covering is needed.

•Is it acceptable to remove face coverings when high temperatures and humidity may create unsafe conditions, or simply if the weather is very warm?

Individuals must wear face coverings unless wearing a face covering would create an unsafe condition in which to operate equipment or execute a task. In general, though, face coverings must be worn, even on warm days, if they do not pose a risk to an individual’s health or safety. Mere discomfort is not considered a risk to an individual’s health or safety.

Face shields are an acceptable alternative to face masks when high temperatures and humidity create unsafe conditions.

•I have asthma or another medical condition. Do I have to wear a mask?

Individuals must wear a face covering unless the mask impedes their vision, they have a medical or mental health condition or disability that impedes their ability to wearing of a face covering, particularly one that creates respiratory problems for the individual, or if wearing a face covering would create an unsafe condition in which to operate equipment or execute a task. A list of the exceptions can be found at https://www.health.pa.gov. If an individual cannot wear a face covering due to a medical or mental health condition or disability, the individual should consider wearing a face shield.

An individual does not need to provide documentation that the individual fits within an exception to the order.

•When does my child have to wear a mask?

Children 2 years old and older are required to wear a face covering as described in the order, unless they fit one of the exceptions included in Section 3 of the order.

If a child is outdoors and able to consistently maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet from individuals who are not a part of their household, they do not need to wear a mask.

If a child 2 years old or older is unable to remove a face covering without assistance, the child is not required to wear one.

The department recognizes that getting younger children to be comfortable wearing face coverings and to keep them on may create some difficulties. Under these circumstances, parents, guardians, licensed child care providers in community-based and school settings or responsible persons may consider prioritizing the wearing of face coverings to times when it is difficult for the child to maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet from others who are not a part of their household (e.g., during carpool drop off or pick up, or when standing in line at school). Ensuring proper face covering size and fit and providing children with frequent reminders and education on the importance and proper wearing of cloth face coverings may help address these issues.

•Do staff in child care facilities need to wear face coverings?

All staff must wear face coverings during child care operations.

•Does the order requiring universal face coverings apply to children and adults while in schools?

Yes, this order applies to all individuals while in school entities, including public K-12 schools, brick and mortar and cyber charter schools, private and parochial schools, career and technical centers, intermediate units; educational programming for students in non-educational placements such as residential settings (boarding schools), residential facilities, detention centers and hospital settings; PA Pre-K Counts, Head Start programs and preschool early intervention programs and private academic nursery schools and locally funded prekindergarten activities.

•Do I need to wear my mask at the pool?

People should not wear cloth face coverings while engaged in activities that may cause the cloth face covering to become wet, like when swimming at the beach or pool. A wet cloth face covering may make it difficult to breathe. For activities like swimming, it is particularly important to maintain physical distance from others when in the water. People must wear face coverings while out of the water and maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet from others who are not a part of their household.

•Does the order require individuals to wear masks when they are exercising indoors at a health club?

Yes, everyone must wear a face covering unless they fall under an exception listed in Section 3 of the order.

•Do I have to wear a mask at a restaurant, bar, or private club?

Yes, individuals who are seated at a restaurant or other establishment that offers food or beverage service need to wear a mask face covering until such time as they are eating or drinking.