Ventura County urges public to stop using medical-grade masks

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. - An interesting message from the top health expert in Ventura County Wednesday, explaining why he hasn't ordered people to wear masks in public.

Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Levin said there was very little science to support face coverings and even some research opposing its use.

Levin said the Public Health Department recently studied mask usage in Ventura County.

A nurse monitored 100 people at six different grocery and big box stores.

Of the 600 people monitored in total, just 6 percent were not wearing masks. About 55 percent were wearing N-95 and surgical procedure masks, which concerned Levin.

"This is precisely the problem with mask wearing. People are taking masks away from health professionals who need them," said Levin.

He said ultimately everyone needs to make their own decision on whether to wear masks or face coverings, but they should not be using medical-grade masks.

"You're left with choosing between 'I will wear a cloth mask' or 'I will choose not to wear a mask.' I don't think wearing a medical-grade mask is an option," said Levin.

To read Ventura County's full findings on mask usage, click here.