Thursday, May 7, L.A. City Mayor Eric Garcetti provided an update on COVID-19 response efforts. The Mayor previously announced a 3-level analysis that will be in use, as Los Angeles gradually opens local businesses. The brick-and-mortars are still not allowed to let people come inside, but there is curb side assistance available for florists, car dealers, and stores that sell toys, books, clothing, sporting goods, and music. Community spaces that are looking to open by Saturday include trails and golf courses.
Mayor Garcetti provided updated data surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, these numbers hold a deeper value, as they stand as major factors in deciding what future firms will open in L.A. The Mayor shared the updates within the Departments of Power and Water.
This is going to be a test weekend for certain businesses to be open for curbside pickup. Friday, May 8. will mark the first steps L.A. is taking towards recovery. Garcetti stressed that Los Angeles will not go back to “the ways things were” for a long time, reiterated that gatherings are still prohibited. As Los Angeles starts to open these non-essential businesses, the city Mayor urges for everyone to shop locally, to give these businesses the monetary support to stay open.
Mayor Garcetti provided the latest updates behind the COVID-19 outbreak. As of May 7, there were 51 additional deaths. This brings the total COVID-19 related deaths in the L.A. County to 1,418. The average death rate in a week has been 45 fatal cases per day. There were 815 new cases reported, bringing the total of positive COVID-19 reports to 29,427. The latest numbers reflect a 3% increase, since yesterday. There is a daily average of 916 new cases. Within the city of L.A., the new report reflects 14,253 COVID-19 cases.
The spaces that are opening this weekend will have physical guidelines that will be enforced. Eric Garcetti stressed that wearing a mask is still required on trails and golf courses. Each Community locations will have its own social distancing guidelines for everyone to abide by. Metro Transportation are requiring all passengers to wear masks when aboard all public transportation, starting May 11. Test results are showing that the guidelines in place are working to flatten the curve and slowing the death rate, there is more room to bring focus to other concerns within the city.
The economic flow within the city has been severely damaged. Eric Garcetti addressed the effect on the Department of Water and Power, there has been great leniency within that sector during this time. Garcetti stated, “We keep looking for new ways to support our customers and to help the Los Angeles family.”
The Mayor announced The Department of Water and Power will not shut off any services due to non-payment for the rest of 2020. He clarified, if there is an opportunity to pay the bill, Garcetti urged Angelenos who can afford it to continue paying, those who pay are contributing to the overall benefit of providing service across the city. This is to ease the anxiety of wondering if the water will come out of the faucet or if the power will be available, the charges will still accumulate and will need to be paid down, but the service will not be brought to an end due to non-payment this year. The Rent Freeze has also been extended for another year, Eric Garcetti passed an order that prohibits Landlords from using intimidation or any aggressive nature towards their tenants.
Other areas of focus were in volunteering and donations during this time. Mayor Garcetti shared that the goal for 10-million dollars to provide Angeleno Cards to families in need has doubled. There is 20-million dollars available for the Angeleno Card distribution, that will help twice as many families. This will benefit 60,000 of our neighbors. Eric Garcetti stated, “The city is committed to doing everything we can, to help you make your ends meet…”
