Emergency order puts new protections in place beginning April 10

LOS ANGELES — Mayor Eric Garcetti today issued an emergency order that will require many workers providing non-medical essential services to wear face coverings while at work.

The order — which takes effect April 10 and also requires customers at grocery stores and many other essential businesses to wear face coverings — adds a new layer of protection for Angelenos in the fight against COVID-19.

“We need to protect every worker on the front lines of this crisis,” said Mayor Garcetti. “Each one of us is a first responder in this emergency. Every employer should keep employees safe, and so should Angelenos patronizing these businesses. Cover up. Keep your distance. Save lives. It’s that simple.”

Under the Mayor’s emergency order, employers of many non-medical essential businesses must either provide workers with cloth face coverings that shield their noses and mouths or reimburse employees for their cost. Essential businesses must also implement physical distancing measures for employees, customers, and visitors; make sure employees have access to a clean and sanitary restroom, stocked with all necessary cleansing products like soap and sanitizer; and allow employees to wash their hands at least every 30 minutes. Non-medical essential businesses described in the order will be allowed to refuse service to customers who do not wear face coverings. The order also recommends that, whenever possible, businesses install plexiglass barriers between cashiers and customers.

Angelenos should limit trips outside their residences to only the most necessary and vital tasks — and this week, should postpone trips to the grocery store and other important errands as much as possible. Mayor Garcetti’s “Safer at Home” emergency order requires City of Los Angeles residents to remain in their homes except for the most essential activities — including critical tasks such as securing food and health, safety and medical necessities, as well as caring for children, elder adults, family, friends and people with disabilities. Mayor Garcetti and City Attorney Mike Feuer have said that the City will strongly enforce against out-of-compliance businesses when necessary.

Mayor Garcetti has taken several emergency actions in the fight against the spread of COVID-19, including expanding access to free testing for all L.A. County residents who show symptoms; a plan to shelter thousands of Angelenos experiencing homelessness; restrictions placed on bars, nightclubs, restaurants, movie theaters, entertainment venues, bowling alleys and arcades, gyms and fitness centers, and Recreation and Parks facilities across L.A.; and limits on public gatherings in City facilities.

The Mayor has also taken a number of steps to support residents and businesses during the local emergency — including placing a moratorium on residential and commercial evictions and water and power shutoffs and a halt to rent increases on rent-stabilized housing. He has relaxed parking and law enforcement for violations related to vehicle registration and driver’s license cards during the COVID-19 emergency period.