Pasadena Officials Embark on Campaign to Encourage Face Coverings in Public: Citations Being Considered

[[UPDATED] City officials have begun plastering posters around Pasadena, as well as handing out business card-size fliers, in an effort to get more people to comply with the state mandate to wear face coverings in public to stem the spread of COVID-19 as complaints about people shirking the requirement mounted, authorities said Wednesday.

While city officials have shied away from issuing citations to enforce the face covering law, in favor of education, “face coverings (or) masks are required,” city spokeswoman Lisa Derderian said. 

“It’s not a suggestion it’s a mandate, and if the mindset doesn’t change, we’ll have to take it to the next level and issue citations like several of our neighboring jurisdictions,” she said. “We are hoping to gain compliance through education and outreach but we are constantly receiving complaints about people not abiding.”

“We’re really hoping aggressive outreach and education will instill compliance before we have to escalate to the next level, which will be citations,” Derderian said.

Pasadena Public Health Department officials reported 20 new COVID-19 infections detected in the city on Wednesday, but no new fatalities.

Pasadena has seen 1,943 infections and 105 deaths since the start of the pandemic in March, city data shows.

Doctors at Huntington Hospital were treating 38 COVID-19 patients on Wednesday, and 32 tests were pending, according to hospital data.

Numerous complaints have been received regarding people not wearing face coverings while running or exercising at the Rose Bowl Loop, or elsewhere in town, officials said.

As authorities seek to clamp down on the spread of the novel coronavirus, officials have posted signs reminding the public of the mask mandate at facilities including the Rose Bowl, the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center, City Hall and the Hastings Ranch Shopping Center. Additionally, they’ve been handing out business card-size fliers encouraging proper mask use.

“Wear it for your family,” reads one side of the card. “COVID-19 is easy to spread from person to person when someone breathes, coughs, sneezes, or talks. Help protect yourself and your loved ones — wear a face covering.”