“LA’s position is more relevant than ever,” Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said Monday. “It simply came to our notice then. And we are entering an even more dangerous time. We have no reason to believe that the worst situation here in our city and county could not be.
“This is a different kind of moment,” Garcetti said, “a new level of risk. And if we don’t make these decisions now, there’s really a consequence: we’ll almost certainly have to shut things down again.”
To try and prevent it, the mayor announced that the city would enforce the county’s current public health regulations. “I have instructed city departments to expand enforcement efforts for businesses that still do not comply with our public health protocols,” Garcetti announced. “And we will issue objectives … and revoke permits for businesses that violate our needs and put us all at risk.”
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He said building inspectors, police officers and staff – through a tipline – would step in to help boost implementation.
Another step that could be an interim step before a full step, such as a bar – could be a late opening curfew for industries, where Garcetti said the virus is known to spread more freely. The mayor said he would support whatever decision the LA County Board of Supervisors makes when the issue is raised Tuesday.
Garcetti also announced the expansion of the city’s mobile testing program to establish COVID tests in serviceable areas, as well as testing at Los Angeles International Airport. In addition, the area will open a “super and super cup” test site in one of the most difficult areas in the northeastern San Fernando Valley region.
He said the exact location of the test site has yet to be determined, but it will be open by next Monday with a capacity of 1,000 COVID-1 and flu tests, as well as a quick antigen testing facility for people showing flu shots and COVID symptoms.
Asked whether the city would provide additional rental assistance or whether more businesses should be pushed by nearby Garcetti, he said, “We will do our best to help, but the bottom line is: no, [not] Without Washington DC to help us… If we get more money we’ll put it on the street. ”
Garcetti made that announcement as LA County reported 2,795 cases on Monday – a day when case reports are traditionally low due to lag in reporting results over the weekend.
The county has also seen a steady increase in hospital admissions. The number of LA County residents hospitalized with the virus has surpassed 1,000 for the first time in months on Sunday, rising from 966 on Saturday to 1,014, followed by 1,049 on Monday.
Another six coronavirus-related deaths were also reported by the county on Monday, raising the death toll to ૨7575.
Although the death rate from the virus has not risen sharply, the number is considered a “legging indicator”, meaning it rises a few weeks after hospitalization.
Covid-19 Daily Update:
November 16, 2020
New cases: 2,795 (342,343 to date)
New Death: 6 (Today’s Date 7,275)
Current hospitalization: 1,049 pic.twitter.com/qcresFjj2J– LA Public Health (lapublichealth) November 17, 2020
Garsty was announced Monday when California Governor Gavin News placed 411 percent of the state’s coun% population under the highly restricted level of his coronavirus reopening plan. News also announced guidance for the gathering. It was meant to restrict events to only one household member.
Los Angeles County health officials also warned Monday of a Doomsday atmosphere where the area would need to return to blanket-home-home orders.
“In the coming months,” Garcetti said, “the only thing standing between this city and the worst outcome is standing.”
The City News Service contributed to this report.
