Wednesday, December 2, Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti updated the city on the current status of the COVID-19 outbreak. Recently cases have escalated and there has been a temporary Stay at home order. The Mayor shared all news he received from the County and National public health services. He explained what the new procedures mean for the city.
Garcetti reiterated the message from the director of the CDC Robert Redfield, the mayor stated ” The next three months are going to be the most difficult in the public health history of this nation largely because of the stress that’s going to be put on our health care system.”
The mayor elaborated on the breaking points that every firm and sector is reaching, Garcetti described the feeling of the ongoing stress that has overtaken the city. The mayor stressed the data is not reflecting a drop in escalation. He stated in the last month, the daily case count, infection, fatal cases, hospitalization has more than tripled. These escalations are reaching a new peak.
Three weeks ago, the hospitalization number was approximately half the current escalated amount. The mayor emphasized the choices the city as a whole as to make, the next move of all Angeleno. Garcetti stressed the importance of staying home during these times. The mantra the mayor left the city with is “Be smart, Stay apart.” Garcetti stated this is how the community can look after each other.
The County of Los Angeles predicts over 11,000 fatal cases will happen if it continues to accelerate at this prediction. Garcetti stated, “Los Angeles is on a very dangerous path, if we don’t make changes soon to our day-to-day lives, we’ll have more infections, more suffering, and more hospitalizations and yes, more deaths.”
Garcetti stressed that if the infections and hospitalization continue to rise, there will be no more beds available by December 25. The mayor said, “ The public health of our city is as dire as it was in march, in the earliest days of this pandemic,” He continued, “ So tonight I want to speak as always to you candidly with the truths…”
There are new adjustments to the working sector that the mayor outlined, the mayor noted that four out of ten people already lost their jobs this year. Garcetti stated, “ With limited federal support, and the County Public Health Department new orders about outdoor dining, the city must step up to provide relief to restaurants, so tonight I can announce the launch of Secure emergency relief for vulnerable employees.” This fund is open to a plethora of eateries including wineries and food trucks.
This one-time stipend of $800 will be given to those severely impacted by the temporary stay at home order. Available for 4,000 Angelenos, the mayor stated, “ This program is open to the city of Los Angeles, who works in the front of or the back of the house of restaurants…” Garcetti continued, “And if you work in one of these restaurants, one of these establishments and your annual income from 2019 is below 58,450 and you fallen deeper into economic hardship because of this crisis—because of this pandemic, please apply for this program.” The mayor stated, “the SERVE initiative is meant to serve.”
Garcetti broke down the qualification to receive the grant, applicants must be 18 years of age and the awarded money will lottery selected. The application will open on Monday, December 7, at 9 am. One can apply at coronavirus.LAcity.org/SERVE. There are many changes happening in this season, one being the city has to reflect on the current condition of compacted communities and those who have been living poverty line are being affected the most during this time. The mayor continues to strive to create open dialogue and resources for the voices that been ignored up until this point.
