SANTA ANA, Calif. — (AP) — An official says Orange County’s new interim health officer will lift a requirement that residents wear face coverings in public and instead recommend they do so to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

A county official said the change is expected Thursday.

It comes three days after the previous health officer abruptly resigned because she received threats over her order requiring masks as the county allowed more businesses to reopen. Residents have railed against the requirement at public meetings.

Los Angeles and San Diego counties have similar requirements.

The head of the Orange County Medical Association says using a mask is a small sacrifice to protect others.