Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti provided new information surrounding the coronavirus outbreak, as of Monday, May 11, businesses continue to open for curbside pickup service. Mayor Garcetti expressed what this means for the health of the Angeleno economy and how it can possibly obstruct the progress seen in flattening the curve. The goal is finding the balance, between preventing the spread of COVID-19 and building the economy. The Mayor of Los Angeles shared the numbers behind the current effects of coronavirus, Garcetti stressed the importance in economic stability and overall health of the city.
For two months the mayor held live briefings, addressing concerns surrounding the impact of COVID-19. Mayor Garcetti will be taking a different approach in the coming weeks, he announced that the mayor’s office will allow a “behind the scenes” view to the public. Garcetti is going to show the physical efforts to combat coronavirus. The Los Angeles City Mayor stated, “…For two months we were just responding and reacting,” he continued, “Now it’s time for us to reopen, and rebuild.” Garcetti looks for the steps forward but does not ignore the reality that there might be an occasional step back in recovery.
Within the “behind the scenes” actions, Angelenos will have a first-hand look in the processing of a test, who is behind the numbers calculated for the COVID-19 data, and hear from professional medical personnel. The Los Angeles City Mayor is looking to “take things on the road” to give a panoramic view of the city’s fight against coronavirus. Garcetti guarantees content every single day, that will make the viewer’s life easier and well informed through this crisis.
Highlighting the first step in recovery that took place over Mother’s Day weekend, specific businesses opened with curbside pickup service. Within the communal spaces such as parks and golf courses, many people wore masks and followed the social distancing guidelines. The mayor stressed in order to move forward, both customers and businesses need to adhere to the L.A. Health Officer Orders and directives, or face being shut down until the business complies.
The L.A. elected official provided the latest updates behind the COVID-19 outbreak. Nearly 300,000 people have been tested for COVID-19. Garcetti shared as of May 11. there were 39 additional deaths. This brings the total COVID-19 related deaths in the L.A. County to 1,569. There were 591 new cases reported, bringing the total of positive COVID-19 reports to 32,258. The latest numbers reflect a 2% increase, since Friday. There is a daily average of 916 new cases. Within the city of L.A., the new report reflects 15,568 COVID-19 cases.
Garcetti addressed the concerns and questions that have been coming from the community and his office provides him with a list of them to answer. The mayor said he looks to answer these lists of questions every couple days, the ones that were currently presented had concerns about what is changing within the city. Garcetti reiterated that there is no getting around COVID-19, the city is learning how to live with it.
All the conversations happening within public office, is geared towards adjusting to this new normal. The deadline for the Safer at Home Order was stated to be May 15, Mayor Garcetti explained that does not mean everything will be lifted, the Safer at Home Order has an open-ended date to end. A lot of social distancing protocols that are being currently practiced keeps the health care system in manageable operations. The mayor stated the pace will continue to be gradual, in alignment with California State orders, Mayor Garcetti hopes to continue progress every two to three weeks.
