The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over and on June 18, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order requiring all Californians to wear face coverings at all times while outside the home to help slow the spread of the coronavirus and protect seniors and vulnerable people.
“We all want to get back to our normal lives, and people are understandably excited that more businesses and activities are allowed to resume, but the coronavirus continues to kill and hospitalize thousands of Americans, and case numbers in LA County continue to rise, so we cannot let our guard down now,” said Mayor Karen Farrer. “With more people getting out, it is more important than ever to wear face coverings while out in public.”
The new requirement comes as the state and many counties, including Los Angeles County, are allowing more businesses and activities to re-open. Now, as more people are getting out and the potential exposure to someone with COVID-19 increases, it is more important than ever to adhere to public health officials’ coronavirus safety guidelines.
Public health officials ask all community members to follow these steps:
• Maintain physical distancing of 6 ft. between all people who are not members of the household
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Wear a cloth face covering at all times while outside the home
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue
• Stay home if you feel sick
The best defense is knowledge
Visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) website to learn about how the coronavirus spreads, how to identify the symptoms, how to properly practice physical distancing and wearing a face covering while outside the home, how to practice rigorous sanitation, and what do if you become sick.
The LADPH website has numerous frequently asked questions (FAQs) for individuals, houses of worship, schools, caregivers, businesses, people with children or pets, pregnant women, immuno-compromised people, and more, available in multiple languages.