Los Angeles County officials committed Tuesday to working to source surplus or donated masks and other protective gear for residents, schools, transit operators and businesses, especially those in COVID-19 hot spots.
Supervisor Hilda Solis said she believed the county would be able to provide millions of free masks for residents and she highlighted the potential for virus variants as one reason to stay vigilant.
“Following a horrific holiday surge of COVID-19 cases, we are now entering a stage in recovery as we see fewer cases and hospitalizations. However, we are not out of the woods just yet,” Solis said. “There are now reports that confirm additional variants of the virus that have emerged and demonstrate the continued need for precautionary measures that will keep our communities safe.”
Solis noted that the latest recommendation from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention includes the use of two masks or double masking to control the transmission of these new variants, making it even more expensive for financially stressed residents and businesses to comply.