Garcetti slammed for stay-at-home order that mirrors county rules
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti faced backlash as residents questioned the new mandates issued to slow coronavirus spread.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti modified a stay-at-home order that reflects the L.A. County mandates that some have called into question.
Read More: Wisconsin high court tosses out governor’s stay-home order
The Los Angeles Times reported the rules are now the same for both the city and county to help slow the spread of coronavirus as the country battles a swiftly growing pandemic.
In the public order, issued under the city of Los Angeles’ emergency authority, cited overwhelmed medical facilities before it outlined the guidelines.
“Our City is now close to a devastating tipping point, beyond which the number of hospitalized patients would start to overwhelm our hospital system, in turn risking needless suffering and death,” the memo read. “The way to avoid that dreaded scenario is clear. We must refrain from gathering with people from outside our household wherever possible. Angelenos have shown what is possible when we cooperate, listen, and protect our family, friends, neighbors, and favorite businesses. This most recent surge in COVID-19 cases presents us with an opportunity to work together, again, to reduce its spread and flatten the curve.”
Residents are ordered to limit all travel unless engaging in essential activities and must follow social distancing and mask-wearing policies, issued on Wednesday with exceptions. theGrio reported Los Angeles County announced the new stay-home order on Friday.
Read More: New York starts easing stay-at-home requirements
“My message couldn’t be simpler: It’s time to hunker down,” Garcetti said according to the Times. “It’s time to cancel everything. And if it isn’t essential, don’t do it.”
He continued, “Don’t meet up with others outside your household. Don’t host a gathering, don’t attend a gathering and follow our targeted safer-at-home order, if you’re able to stay home, stay at home. Just be smart and stay apart.”
Still, some residents questioned the mandate on social media. One user shared their reaction to what they believed to be a late response.
Author Don Winslow shared similar sentiments.
Journalist Elise Hu shared the confusing messaging issued by the city.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a 15.71% increase in positive cases and a 2.53 increase in death from coronavirus in the past seven days.
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