Los Angeles mayor says all residents should wear masks

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti (D) on Wednesday called on the city's millions of residents to start covering their faces whenever they are out in public as part of an effort to combat the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. Garcetti said on Twitter that the decision was guided by data showing that many of those infected with the virus are asymptomatic.

"[It is] why we are recommending you use cloth face coverings plus physical distancing for essential activities," he said, advising against using "surgical and N95 masks, which are reserved for first responders and medical workers."

The mayor noted in a press conference that night that he had been waiting for guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on whether to issue the advisory. But he said that he elected to make the move without CDC communication after seeing the number of confirmed virus cases continue to climb in the region.

“To be clear, you should still stay at home. This isn’t an excuse to suddenly all go out,” Garcetti said.

https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/490751-los-angeles-mayor-says-all-residents-should-wear-masks