Some Los Angeles residents should wear masks in their homes as COVID-19 cases rise to alarming rates, health officials said.
Los Angeles County Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer on Monday asked anyone living with someone more vulnerable to the virus to disguise themselves at home, the KABC news station reported.
“Right now, because there is so much spread, we recommend that people wear face coverings while they are at home. It will add a layer of protection as we get over this growth, “Ferrer told a news conference.
Ferrer said the extra precautions are especially recommended for essential workers or anyone leaving their homes to make necessary commissions.
“We strongly recommend that you keep your face covered if you are a worker who leaves every day or, in fact, you are someone who has to do the essential errands in your family,” Ferrer said.
The latest guidance comes as the county has become one of the most affected regions.
In Los Angeles, about 10 people tested positive for the virus on average every minute, KABC reported.
Ferrer said the county “is rapidly increasing our pace to reach a grim time of 1 million cases.”
“The detrimental impact on our families and local hospitals of this growth is the worst disaster our county has experienced in decades,” she said.