On June 18, Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors made wearing face coverings mandatory in public to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 infections.

“Science shows that face coverings and masks work,” Newsom said. “They are critical to keeping those who are around you safe, keeping businesses open and restarting our economy.”

The order was made as public health officials have seen the number of COVID-19 cases steadily increasing, and a lack of face mask usage in public.

“Simply put, we are seeing too many people with faces uncovered, putting at risk the real progress we have made in fighting the disease,” Newsom said. “California’s strategy to restart the economy and get people back to work will only be successful if people act safely and follow health recommendations. That means wearing a face covering, washing your hands and practicing physical distancing.” 

To eliminate financial barriers that may prevent people from procuring and wearing face masks, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion on June 23 by Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, 3rd District, to develop a plan for purchasing and distributing cloth face masks. The program will prioritize residents most in need and those who live or work in communities most impacted by COVID-19.

“It’s clear that one of the most important public health strategies we have in the fight against COVID-19 is wearing a mask, and we have to assume that we will be wearing masks for months to come,” Kuehl said. “Wearing a mask is like putting on a seat belt when you get into a car. It’s a simple act that protects yourself and others. This motion asks the county to develop a plan to purchase and distribute masks to those who are already having a hard time meeting their basic needs.”