Los Angeles County drops plan to re-enforce mask mandate, citing drop in Covid cases

Los Angeles County Public Dept Director of Health Barbara Ferrer announced that her company would not reinstate the indoor mask mandate aimed at fighting COVID-19, citing a recent drop in cases over the past few weeks.

On July 14, the L.A. County Department of Public Health said it could implement a new universal indoor mask mandate if it remains within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “high” level of Covid-19 transmission — when it’s related to Covid-19. More than 10 per 100,000 residents are hospitalized. According to Fox 11.

During a press conference Thursday, Ferrer said his office is “pausing” plans to implement a universal mask policy, saying the county’s COVID-19 transmission levels are heading toward “moderate,” as defined by the CDC.

Currently, levels of Covid-19 transmission in the county are considered “high” by the CDC, with 11.7 coronavirus-related hospitalizations per 100,000 residents.

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The county’s mask requirement is still in place for health care facilities, public transportation, long-term care centers, correctional facilities and more.

While Ferrer has not reinstated a mask mandate, “indoor masking is still strongly advised,” he said.

The decision comes after criticism from district leaders against Ferrer Beverly Hills Mayor Lily Bose told Fox News on Thursday that she would not enforce it.

Izzy Galvan, 20, wears a mask as she visits the Griffith Laboratory overlooking downtown Los Angeles.
(AP Photo/Jay C. Hong)

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“I’m a big believer in the power of choice. I think we’ve learned a lot since 2020, and that’s become a function of enforcement. There are, in my opinion, more important issues for the Council on Mental Health. Health screenings for the homeless. [and] Keeping our streets and parks safe,” Bose said. “LA County, Beverly Hills is still under the LA County Public Health Ordinance, but we in Beverly Hills don’t have to use our enforcement to enforce it. So we felt that if L.A. County put this ordinance down, they could go out and enforce it.”

The Beverly Hills City Council also voted not to enforce the mask ordinance.

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Shoppers with and without masks are shown at the crowded market on Santee Alley in Los Angeles.
(Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barker said in an open letter posted on social media that the evidence does not support that. Mask orderThey add up as “polarizing” and “unworkable”.

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“I don’t see any empirical data that conclusively shows that mask mandates make a difference in reducing or stopping the transmission rates of COVID-19,” Barker said. “What I’ve seen over and over again is that mask mandates are actually derailing our collective efforts to reduce Covid-19 infection rates. I believe mask mandates are polarizing and unenforceable. I believe we haven’t fully researched or understood the costs. related to the imposition. I heard loud and clear from parents and caregivers who see the social-emotional toll our district’s children are carrying on their shoulders.”

Fox News’ Michael Lee contributed to this report