Coronavirus: Flouting masking rules, health orders now an infraction in Santa Cruz County
(WorldNews Politics)

SANTA CRUZ — Violating masking rules and other pandemic-related restrictions is now an infraction in Santa Cruz County — punishable by fines starting at $100. Billed as a less severe sanction for those flouting COVID-19 health orders, the infraction was adopted under an emergency ordinance unanimously approved by county supervisors Tuesday. Because it was passed as an emergency ordinance, it immediately took effect in unincorporated areas of the county. Violating health orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic is also a misdemeanor offense under California`s health code, carrying heftier penalties up to a $1,000 fine and six months in prison. By creating an infraction with lower fines, law...