Residents advised to use face coverings in public
At the April 7, 2020, Arcadia City Council Meeting, the Arcadia City Council directed the city manager, in his capacity as the director of emergency services, to issue an order requiring all essential businesses to cause their employees to wear face coverings during working hours. Essential businesses include but are not limited to retail stores, banks, grocery stores, pharmacies, home improvement stores, gas station convenience stores, restaurants providing take-out or delivery, and other businesses as approved by Executive Order N-33-20 issued by the Governor of the State of California.
The order is effective as of noon on Thursday, April 9, and shall remain in effect for the duration of the local emergency declared by the Arcadia City Council on March 17, 2020, or unless further amended or rescinded. A copy of the order can be found here. If businesses have questions regarding the order, contact the Development Services Department at (626) 574-5415.
“While this order doesn’t require customers to wear masks, we strongly encourage them to do so as well to add another level of protection for everyone,” said City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto.
A face covering can be any material but is typically made of cloth that covers the nose and mouth. It can be secured to your head with ties or straps, or simply wrapped around the lower face. In addition to cloth, face coverings can also be made with cotton, silk, or linen. A face covering may be factory made or sewn by hand, or can be improvised from household items such as scarfs, t-shirts, sweatshirts, bandanas, neck gaiter, towels, or other fabric face coverings. Remember to wash hands and coverings before donning them.
This week, per additional guidance from local, state, and federal public health officials, the City of Arcadia encouraged all residents to wear face coverings when outside the home conducting essential activities, like going to the grocery store or caring for family members, to help slow the spread of COVID-19. That recommendation did not substitute existing guidance about social distancing and handwashing.
Avoid purchasing surgical masks and N95 respirators as there is urgent need for these items for frontline medical professionals and first responders.
There is evidence to suggest that the use of face coverings by the public could help reduce COVID-19 transmission. The primary role is to reduce the release of infectious particles into the air when someone speaks, coughs, or sneezes. Face coverings are not a substitute for physical distancing, washing hands, or staying home when sick.
There are steps individuals can take to help minimize and prevent the spread of COVID-19. These include:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching face (eyes, nose, and mouth) with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Wear face coverings in public.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw it in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Practice social distancing; avoid groups; maintain at least 6 feet from others.
Anyone who was recently in an area that is currently experiencing a high infection rate of COVID-19 and feels sick with a fever, cough, or has difficulty breathing within 14 days after leaving should:
- Seek medical care right away. Before going to a doctor’s office or emergency room, patients should call ahead and tell them about their recent travel and symptoms.
- Self-quarantine and avoid contact with others.
- Not travel while sick.
- Cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their sleeve (not their hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to avoid spreading the virus to others. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
For more information regarding the City of Arcadia’s response to COVID-19 along with future updates regarding city services, text ARCADIACOV19 to 888777 for SMS updates or visit ArcadiaCA.gov/covid19 or call (626) 574-5401.
