Try Los Angeles, 1919. “There are a variety of variables” to explain why Los Angeles suffered less than other towns, said J. Alexander Navarro. ***The widespread use of masks in Los Angeles seemed imminent when the Spanish flu slammed California in the fall of 1918. (Los Angeles Times archives)AdvertisementThe Times spoke too soon: The city was just about to get walloped by a second wave. “I shall not recommend the passage of a flu mask ordinance today,” he said.

Source: Los Angeles Times December 29, 2020 14:02 UTC