Arcadia Advises Residents to Wear Face Coverings in Public

Per additional guidance from local, state, and federal publichealth officials, the City of Arcadia is encouraging all residents to wear facecoverings when outside the home conducting essential activities, like going tothe grocery store or caring for family members, to help slow the spread ofCOVID-19. This recommendation does not substitute existing guidance aboutsocial distancing and handwashing.

A face covering can be any material but is typically made of cloththat covers the nose and mouth. It can be secured to your head with ties orstraps, or simply wrapped around the lower face. In addition to cloth, facecoverings can also be made with cotton, silk, or linen. A cloth face coveringmay be factory made or sewn by hand, or can be improvised from household itemssuch as scarfs, t-shirts, sweatshirts, or towels. Remember to wash hands andcoverings before donning them.

Avoid purchasing surgical masks and N95 respirators as there isurgent need for these items for frontline medical professionals and firstresponders.

There is evidence to suggest that the use of cloth 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.

Per the latest information from local, state, and federal publichealth officials, the risk of contracting the virus remains low. There aresteps individuals can take to help minimize and prevent the spread of COVID-19.These include:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water forat 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 touchedobjects and surfaces.
• Practice social distancing; avoid groups;maintain at least 6 feet from others.

Anyone who was recently in an area that is currently experiencinga high infection rate of COVID-19 and feels sick with a fever, cough, or hasdifficulty breathing within 14 days after leaving should:

• Seek medical care right away. Before going toa doctor’s office or emergency room, patients should call ahead and tell themabout their recent travel and symptoms.
• Self-quarantine and avoid contact with others.
• Not travel while sick.
• Cover their mouth and nose with a tissue ortheir sleeve (not their hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for atleast 20 seconds to avoid spreading the virus to others. Use an alcohol-basedhand 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, visit ArcadiaCA.gov/covid19 or call (626) 574-5401.

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