Coronavirus: Carson Votes To Require Face Masks In Public

CARSON (CBSLA) – The Carson City Council voted Tuesday to require anyone going out in public within city limits to wear a face mask amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Stores and other businesses will not allow anyone inside without a facial covering.

The city of Carson has recorded at least 93 confirmed cases of COVID-19 through Monday, which is among the highest of any city or neighborhood in Los Angeles County. Only Melrose (147), Santa Clarita (106) and Hollywood (100) have recorded more, based on the latest numbers from the L.A. County Department of Public Health.

A similar resolution took effect in Riverside County Monday, with violators facing a fine of up to $1,000. However, although the Carson City Council was debating enacting a similar penalty, it ultimately decided against it.

The ordinance requires everyone to "wear a face mask or covering which shall be of sufficient size to cover the nose and mouth of the wearer so as to assure the inhale or exhale of oxygen through the mask or covering."

It remains in effect until canceled by either the city council or the Carson Disaster Council.

L.A. County has so far reported a total of 6,360 coronavirus cases and 147 deaths from the disease.

On Monday, L.A. County Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer reaffirmed recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and local officials that everyone wear cloth face coverings when outside their homes. However, L.A. County currently has no mandatory requirement.

"We saw a lot of people over this weekend using cloth face coverings while you were out and about," Ferrer said. "And thank you for taking this additional step to slow the spread of COVID-19."