Recommendation is to wear face coverings in public while conducting essential activities.
Today, California’s public health officials released guidance on the use of cloth face coverings to protect against COVID-19 for those who must leave their homes to conduct essential activities. The guidance does not require people to wear face coverings – and is not a substitute for the state’s current guidance regarding social distancing and hand washing.
On March 24, the Irvine City Council passed a resolution strongly recommending that all retail sales businesses and service businesses provide protective supplies to their employees. This past weekend more than 9,000 masks were distributed throughout the Irvine community including, Kaiser Permanente, Hoag Hospital, and Irvine’s retail centers, in an effort to protect the health and well-being of the City’s business community and residents.
Cloth face coverings can include items such as bandanas, fabric masks, and neck gaiters. It is important to note face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing and hand washing.
“Staying at home, practicing social distancing, and frequent hand washing are the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19,” stated Mayor Christina Shea. “If you need to leave your home to perform essential tasks, we encourage you to follow State Public Health Guidelines to wear a cloth face covering. Please leave the N95 masks for the healthcare workers and first responders who are our heroes in the fight against COVID-19.”
The new guidance serves as a reminder that the best defense against COVID-19 continues to be:
- Stay at home and practice social distancing
- Wash hands frequently
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Stay at home if you are sick
- Wear a cloth face mask while performing essential tasks
The use of cloth face coverings could reduce the transmission of COVID-19 by individuals who do not have symptoms and may reinforce social distancing.
For more information about the use of face coverings or to find a provider, visit cityofirvine.org/covid19.