In the City of West Hollywood, a new Emergency Executive Order will require the use of cloth face coverings beginning on Saturday, May 23, 2020.
All people in West Hollywood — essential workers and the general public — will be required to wear face coverings in public, such as scarves (dense fabric without holes), bandanas, neck gaiters, or similar coverings of any other material that reduces transmission of germs anytime they are out in public. Face coverings will not be required for young children under two-years-old, anyone who has trouble breathing, or anyone who is otherwise unable to remove a face covering without assistance. Children between two- and eight-years-old should only wear face coverings with adult supervision.
“We know from Public Health officials that physical distancing and face coverings are effective in helping to slow the spread of the coronavirus,” said City of West Hollywood Mayor Lindsey P. Horvath. “Now that we’ve moved in to the beginning stages of the LA County ‘Roadmap to Recovery,’ we must remain vigilant in adhering to physical distancing, using cloth face coverings, and continuing to stay at home whenever we can. We can be stronger than this virus — but only if we all do our part to protect ourselves, our friends, our neighbors, and our essential workers. The simple act of wearing a cloth face covering may very well save lives.”
The City of West Hollywood emphasizes that its order recommends cloth face coverings. Community members should refrain from using N95 and medical-grade masks; these are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will monitor compliance of the City’s requirement to wear face coverings in public and will provide education and warnings, and will cite as appropriate.
Not wearing a face covering is considered a crime and individuals are subject to citation. For more information, please contact the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station at (310) 855-8850.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a tutorial about making your own cloth face covering, which is available on its website at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html. The CDC makes the following recommendations about cloth face coverings, which should:
- Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face;
- Be secured with ties or ear loops;
- Include multiple layers of fabric;
- Allow for breathing without restriction;
- Be routinely washed; and
- Be able to be washed and machine-dried without damage.
The City of West Hollywood has declared a local emergency in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis and is advising community members to adhere to the Los Angeles County Safer At Home Order. The revised Order is a continuation, which became effective on May 13, 2020. It will continue until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended in writing by the Health Officer of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and it begins to move Los Angeles County into the next stage of a Roadmap to Recovery: A Phased Approach to Reopening Safely in Los Angeles County.
The City urges everyone to stay in place, maintain your space, and cover your face. Leave home only for essential needs; always use social distancing of at least six feet; and follow guidelines to use cloth face coverings such as bandanas or scarves so that medical masks, which are in short supply, are prioritized for health professionals.
