EDITOR’S NOTE: Bloomberg Cities will cease publication of this newsletter at the end of September and begin including COVID-19-related news in our weekly innovation-focused newsletter, Spark. You will begin receiving Spark on Wednesdays unless you opt out here.

How Philly is cracking the code for measuring mask compliance

For all of this year’s discussion about face masks, the health benefits of wearing them, and the occasional protest against mandates, many cities still lack data on how many residents are actually wearing masks. This is, however, a key metric cities need to consider when weighing decisions around reopening. And that’s one reason why two studies in Philadelphia—measuring compliance with that city’s mask mandate—are attracting attention.

DATA TRACKER

Johns Hopkins' confirmed U.S. COVID-19 cases as of 8 a.m. EDT on September 29.

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES

7,150,165

TOTAL DEATHS

205,091

Find more up-to-date case counts and other critical information from the Johns Hopkins University's situation report and interactive map.

CITY ACTIONS

A roundup of responses to the coronavirus crisis. See the
COVID-19: Local Action Tracker for more.

KEEPING RESOLVE
With only 20 percent of U.S. states showing a downward trend in cases, cities keep a close eye on protecting residents.

As outside temperatures cool, Detroit moves its free regional testing operation indoors.
Saying he was caught off guard by his governor’s lifting of COVID-related restrictions on restaurants and bars, Orlando, Fla., Mayor Buddy Dyer urges residents to continue wearing masks and practicing social distancing “irrespective of the governor’s order.” Meanwhile, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry extends his city’s mask order an additional 30 days.
Hartford, Conn., Mayor Luke Bronin announces that public schools will offer testing for symptomatic students.

GLOBAL OUTLOOK

Mayor Andy Burnham of Greater Manchester, U.K., calls for an urgent review of the 10 p.m. curfew for pubs and restaurants in England, warning that it’s doing more harm than good and is an incentive for gatherings in homes and streets.
Meanwhile, bars in Paris, Lyon, and nine other French cities are ordered to close at 10 p.m. after cases spike there.
For the first time in 108 years, Rio de Janeiro cancels Carnival.

Inspired: Mask up to open up OC

Lights, cameras, masks! Mayors from all 34 cities in California’s Orange County came together to share a simple message for residents: “Mask up to open up OC!” Shooting at iconic locations from across the county, the video reminds viewers that during this difficult time, wearing a mask shows others you care about them and their safety. “Right now, the call goes out for you to step up and help your neighbor,” the video states. “No matter how tough it gets, we will come back stronger because we did it together.”

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES

Find more COVID-19 resources for city leaders here. Please suggest new resources to include here.

RESOURCES

COVID-19 Crisis Leadership Essentials for Mayors (Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative and Johns Hopkins University)
Answers to Mayors' Top Questions (Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative and Johns Hopkins University)
COVID-19 Management Metrics for Cities (Johns Hopkins University) Access webinars on using data and this metric set to tackle COVID in your community.
See how social distancing measures may have influenced trends in COVID-19 cases and deaths in every state. (Johns Hopkins University)
Streets for Pandemic Response and Recovery (NACTO)
COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Programs in Ten Localities (Local Housing Solutions)
Free course on contact tracing (Johns Hopkins University)
Partnership for Healthy Cities COVID-19 Response Center (Bloomberg Philanthropies)
Transportation Response Center (NACTO)

CDC'S LATEST GUIDANCE FOR: