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LA Health Officials Push Masks But Hold Back On Cracking Down
A sign reminding people the fine for not wearing a mask can be as much as $350 is seen by the pier last month in Manhattan Beach. (Chris Delmas / AFP via Getty Images)
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From California to Florida, wearing a mask (or neglecting to) has become political shorthand for how seriously you are taking the pandemic.
Meanwhile, scientists are warning of a larger wave of coronavirus infections this winter. They agree the simplest, easiest way to fight that surge is to get most people to wear masks most of the time. But enforcement of mandated masks and face coverings is all over the map.
Face coverings have been required in California since June, but so far Los Angeles public health officials have largely shied away from stringent enforcement.
L.A.’s top public health official, Dr. Muntu Davis, told reporters recently:
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"One of the things in all of this is, we’re not going to enforce or fine our way out of this."
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