Due to the COVID-19 health crisis, which is unlike anything we’ve ever seen before, there is a growing concern that a majority of people still brush it off. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has taken this into account.
What We Know:
- According to CBS News, Garcetti has threatened to turn off the power and water in non-essential businesses that stay open through the city’s current “safer at home” emergency order. Current orders allow only essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants that provide takeout, and marijuana dispensaries to stay open.
- Moreover, the order requires LA residents stay home at all costs with exceptions being getting food, health, or medical necessities. This also applies to care for children or adult relatives, friends, and people with disabilities, according to the mayor’s office.
Let me be clear: it is unacceptable for non-essential businesses to continue their operations as normal.
I announced the Safer at Home Business Ambassadors Program to help ensure businesses comply with our emergency order to keep our communities safe. https://t.co/7eMFdg1PSa
— Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) March 25, 2020
- During his briefing on Tuesday, Garcetti said, “You need to stop it. This is your chance to step up and shut it down, because if you don’t, we will shut you down.”
- Though the fear of economic failure for business owners is justified, this is a highly transmittable virus that has already killed thousands and has hospitalized many more. Los Angeles County alone has 1216 cases and 21 deaths as of Thursday.
Though many LA residents have abided by city orders, there are still reports of large gatherings above 10 people. Garcetti said Los Angeles is probably about six to 12 days behind what’s happened in New York, so local residents should be prepared for conditions to worsen.
