If the risk of getting or spreading the coronavirus isn’t motivating the public to wear protective face coverings while out in public in the City of West Hollywood, a hefty fine might do the trick to get the public to mask up. The City released a press release today reminding the public that face coverings are required when out in public to reduce the transmission and spread of COVID-19. Face coverings have been required since Saturday, May 23, 2020, when the Order went into effect.
Due to urgent concerns about the spike in the COVID-19 infection rate and efforts to once again flatten the curve, it’s imperative that everyone does their part to use face coverings in public and maintaining social (physical) distance.
The City reports that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Station has been monitoring compliance of face covering requirements since May.
The West Hollywood Station announced yesterday that, while its primary focus remains on education and awareness, personnel may issue an Administrative Citation if someone refuses voluntary compliance to use a mask or other form of face covering. Sheriff’s personnel will hand out face coverings as part of requesting compliance to people who do not have them.
The City of West Hollywood’s fee schedule for such Administrative Citations is as follows:
- A first violation is $250 plus a fee of $50 for a total of $300;
- A second violation is $1,000 plus a fee of $50 for a total of $1,050;
- A third violation is $2,000 plus a fee of $50 for a total of $2,050; and
- A fourth violation is $5,000 plus a fee of $50 for a total of $5,050.
These are Administrative Citations, not Criminal Charges.
In addition, the City of West Hollywood’s Code Compliance Division provides oversight of business compliance and Code Enforcement Officers may issue Administrative Citations to businesses that are not in compliance with Los Angeles County Department of Public Health protocols.
When in public, people in West Hollywood should maintain social (physical) distancing of at least six feet and use a mask or face covering to adhere to City requirements. Public Health officials recommend a clean cloth face covering that securely covers both nose and mouth.
Face coverings are not required for young children under two-years-old. Children between two- and eight-years-old should only wear face coverings with adult supervision; and people with certain medical conditions are exempt from this requirement.
The City of West Hollywood encourages residents to remain home as much as is practical and limit close contact with others outside of a household. Additionally, people 65 years old or older and all people of any age with underlying health conditions should remain at home whenever possible; people in these categories should only leave their residences to seek medical care, exercise, or obtain food or other necessities.
For more information, please visit weho.org/coronavirus.
