Dear Friend --

The City of Long Beach has released guidance and information on the CDC recommendation for wearing face coverings to protect against the spread of COVID-19.

Read the guidance here:

Even if you are not showing symptoms, you could be carrying COVID-19 and endangering those around you. Wearing something as simple as a cloth face covering when you go outside could help slow the rate of transmission and reduce the load on our hospitals in the critical weeks ahead.

The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services is not requiring individuals to wear face coverings while in public and continues to advise the best community and individual defense against COVID-19 is washing our hands frequently, avoiding touching our eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, avoiding being around sick people and practicing physical distancing, especially by staying at home.

Facial coverings can be useful in public settings where other physical distancing measures are difficult to maintain, such as pharmacies or grocery stores.

The California Department of Public Health defines face coverings as material such as cotton, silk or linen that covers the mouth and nose. Coverings can be homemade or improvised from everyday items such as scarves, bandanas, T-shirts, sweatshirts or towels. N95 respirators and surgical masks are not recommended for public purchase. This critical equipment is in short supply nationally and should be conserved for healthcare workers and first responders.

City officials remind residents to continue to adhere to the “Safer at Home” Order and only leave their homes for essential activities such as getting food, attending medical appointments, exercising, walking your pet or caring for loved ones.