Friday, May 15, The Los Angeles City Mayor announced recent findings behind the COVID-19 outbreak. There was a bit of confusion behind the alleged extension of the Safer at Home Order, Mayor Eric Garcetti addressed and clarified the misconception. Within the revised Safer at Home directive, there is a non-negotiable clause regarding the use of masks and upholding physical distancing guidelines, as Los Angeles begins to tip-toe into a new space of recovery, there is need to be on extreme alert. The mayor stressed the importance of high levels of precaution, even in this preliminary stage of economic rehabilitation.
Garcetti announced the movement of Slow Streets L.A., the mayor’s office described this as an “initiative to temporarily calm traffic on some neighborhood streets to create space for Angelenos to walk, run, and bike.” This directive took effect in the Del Rey and Sawtelle sections. Mayor Garcetti stated, “Slow Streets L.A. will help transform neighborhoods into accessible spaces where people can enjoy healthy recreation — while giving them the space they need to be safer in this crisis.” Although it is in active use, the initiative prohibits gatherings considering the COVID-19 transmission. Neighborhood councils can apply for Slow Streets L.A. online.
In addition to community initiatives, Garcetti shared information about a new county-wide campaign. All In for LA, represents the motion to “encourage and inspire Angelenos to remain unified, vigilant, and resilient in the response to COVID-19.” Mayor Garcetti stated, “we are learning how to live with it safely, and that takes the unity of purpose that Angelenos are showing in this crisis,” All in for L.A. is a documentary, made possible by a free of charge collaboration with the creative agency 72andSunny Los Angeles, it encapsulates the impact of physical distancing towards flattening the curve throughout L.A. County. The Documentary was directed by live action director John X. Carey and it was shown on local news, its available for viewing on L.A. public social media platforms.
“A face covering says we will beat this,” Mayor Garcetti continued to emphasize the need to wear masks and remain on high alert during this Pandemic. After Today’s initiative, the next steps will be to monitor the data very closely. Within the next 4-6 weeks Los Angeles should be able to see the impact of the adjusted initiative. The L.A. elected official provided the latest updates behind the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Los Angeles City Mayor acknowledged the misconception behind previous headlines, stating there was an extension on the Safer at Home Order. There was news prolonging the initiative over a three-month span, Garcetti stated, “…Angelenos who read the headlines and wonder, Will we really be in lockdown for the next three months?” Garcetti continued, “The answer is no. We are taking gradual steps into our new reality –– allowing more businesses and activities to open as it becomes safe to do so…we reopened beaches for active recreation and permitted all retail businesses –– except those inside indoor malls –– to open for delivery and curbside or door side pickup.”
Nearly 320,000 people have been tested for COVID-19 due to the growing availability in test locations within the city. Garcetti shared as of May 15, there were 47 additional deaths. This brings the total COVID-19 related deaths in the L.A. County to 1,755. There were 962 new cases reported, bringing the total of positive COVID-19 reports to 36,259. The latest numbers reflect a 3% increase, since May 14. There is a daily average of 800-1,000 new cases. There is stabilization within the curve, but Mayor Garcetti made a point to say, “While we have made real progress, this virus is still deadly. And every day, we’re learning important lessons on how to safely live with it.”
