Tuesday, May 19, The Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti updated the city with news surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak. The Mayor has been conversing with public officials across the nation, collaborating on recovery plans to implement here in L.A., Garcetti made it clear that Los Angeles is still facing a daily number of deaths and positive cases, within the revised health order there is a non-negotiable clause for wearing masks when outside to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Mayor continued to express the importance of co-existing with the virus, not moving past it.
Garcetti held his press briefing at a skilled nursing facility in Reseda. He was joined by LAFD Chief Ralph Terrazas, LAFD Assistant Chief Kady Kepner, and Dr. Noah Marco. Mayor Garcetti shed light on the protection of emergency and medical personnel. There is a relationship between the community and the protection over those who serve on the front lines of the pandemic. Mayor Garcetti rephrased the four factors that actively combat the spread of coronavirus. First is to remember that everyone is safer at home, second is to keep practicing physical distancing, third is continue thoroughly hand washing and sanitizing surfaces, lastly wear a face covering when its applicable.
These four protocols are part of a system that looks to take preventative measures from spreading the virus. The Los Angeles Mayor stated, “These things unlock the possibility of more and more steps in the days to come.” Garcetti announced new businesses that are active include pet grooming, training/retail services, and mobile services. Customers can drop off and pick up their pets outside the store, only employees can enter these shops. Additionally, all carwashes are now open, they must follow the public health order that outlines physical distancing protocols for businesses.
Garcetti shared as of May 19, there were 76 additional deaths. This brings the total COVID-19 related deaths in the L.A. County to 1,913. There were 1,183 new cases reported, bringing the total of positive COVID-19 reports to 39,573. The latest numbers reflect a 3% increase, since May 18. There is a daily average of 940 new cases. Within the Los Angeles City, there were 480 new positive incidents of COVID-19, bringing the city’s total to 19,020 total reports.
Preparing for the upcoming independent’s day celebration, the L.A. County Economic Resiliency Task Force deliberated July 4 for Reopening. The task force is developing a “fast-track” plan to accommodate the progression of workflow. A multitude of businesses are looking to propose a motion to resume operating safely by July. Sectors looking to be liberated by July 4 include Bioscience, hospitality, education, and entertainment. The proposed date was deliberated on the most recent task force meeting. There was a presentation drawing a diaphragm of the urgency to rebuild the local economic situation.
Various representatives from different sectors shared the impact COVID-19 has had on each business. Within the restaurant/leisure/hospitality level, over 80% of staff lost their job. Over one million people applied for the unemployment in Los Angeles. Supervisor Kathryn Barger is the chair for the task force, she stated, “I understand the urgency to reopen and know many of the experts the County has assembled for this task force have been working hard to develop safe and efficient plans to revitalize their sectors as early as next month,” Barger said. “I remain focused on working with industry leaders and health officials to safely make way for Los Angeles County to reopen by the Fourth of July.” The next task force meeting will happen June 2 to further discuss the plans of reopening. Public Officials look for the balance in reopening the business without escalating the spread of COVID-19.
