A 30-day face covering mandate for the City of Seward went into effect at 12 a.m. Wednesday, following the enactment of an emergency ordinance on Monday.

People will be required to wear a mask or face covering over their mouth and nose in buildings where they cannot maintain 6 feet of distance between themselves and people outside of their household.

The mask mandate does not apply to children ages 4 and younger, people who have difficulty breathing or people who have a medical condition that prevents them from wearing a covering over their nose and mouth.

People do not have to wear face coverings when they are alone or only with people from their household. People do not have to wear face covering when they are eating or drinking in compliance with Alaska public health mandates. Face coverings must be worn in public establishments when not actively eating or drinking.

People also do not need to wear face coverings when “receiving lawful services that cannot be adequately performed while the recipient is wearing a facial covering.”

The ordinance will remain in effect for 30 days or until the declaration of emergency related to COVID-19 expires and is not renewed.

Reach reporter Ashlyn O’Hara at ashlyn.ohara@peninsulaclarion.com.