Coronavirus: LA mayor awkwardly tries on face mask as he urges everyone in California to wear them at home

'We’re going to have to get used to seeing each other like this'

LA mayor Eric Garcetti awkwardly tried on a face mask while advising everyone in California to wear one, amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In a press conference on Wednesday evening, Mr Garcetti told residents of the state to wear face masks, but said they should still continue to self-isolate.

The mayor said that the masks are an extra precaution but added: “To be clear, you should still stay at home. This isn’t an excuse to suddenly all go out”.

Mr Garcetti tried on the mask in a demonstration, but struggled to tie it around his face.

At one point the mayor nearly dropped it, before finally fitting it and claiming: “this will be the look”.

“I know this looks surreal. We’re going to have to get used to seeing each other like this,” he added.

He told residents that a bandana or a cloth mask would also be effective if a suitable ones are not available.

Mr Garcetti explained that while he advises all Californians to wear a mask, he doesn’t want them to buy any that are used by medical professionals.

“Please do not get medical grade or surgical masks, or these N95 masks. We must not contribute to the shortage of these essential personal protective equipment.” he said.

Speaking at his daily conference on Wednesday, California governor Gavin Newsom also urged people to buy medical masks and reiterated that residents of California should stay inside as much as possible.

“They are not a substitute for a stay-at-home order. They are not a call to get folks to find N95 masks or surgical masks and pull them away or compete against our first responders.” Mr Newsom said.

According to a tracking project hosted by Johns Hopkins University, upwards of 216,768 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the US. The death toll has reached at least 5,148.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended a two-week ban on gatherings of more than 50 people as part of the battle to contain the spread of the contagion.