Beverly Hills Mandates Masks For Anyone Outside

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – Even if it’s just a stroll around the block, everyone walking in Beverly Hills will be required to wear a face covering as of 6 p.m. tonight to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The order does not apply to people driving through the city alone or with members of their household unless they lower their windows for any reasons, including interactions with “first responders, food service workers, or others who are not members of their household.”

The city, which reports 71 confirmed cases at last count, joins a number of cities across California and the U.S. requiring anyone outdoors to wear face coverings. City leaders have recommended that residents save medical-grade masks for health and emergency workers, and instead wear scarves, bandannas, and other cloth coverings.

“We believe this action will help to protect and ultimately save lives,” said Mayor Lester Friedman on Thursday. “While we continue to ask our community members to remain at home, those who do go outside and the people they encounter will be safer.”

City News Service, The Los Angeles Times, and Michael Wittner contributed to this report.