Angelenos have been asked to stay at home to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and the city of Santa Monica wants locals to take it seriously.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti issued a Safer at Home order that went into effect last week, however, some locals have yet to adopt the new lifestyle.
The issued order expressed that people can still go for a walk around the block or to the grocery store and doctor. When the sun replaced rain clouds over the weekend, it seemed as though people mistook engaging in essential activities for lounging on the beach. Santa Monica officials have announced that its police officers are now authorized to issue citations to stay-at-home violators with hopes that the public is encouraged to use outdoor time responsibly amid the coronavirus outbreak.
“Our first priority is to remind and educate the public when they are not following our local orders,” said Santa Monica City Manager Rick Cole. “However, it’s important for people to know that our local orders include the ability to fine individuals and businesses that do not abide voluntarily.”
The Santa Monica Mirror stated that city officers are authorized to issue administrative citations to enforce emergency orders issued to date as follows:
- Revised First Supplement to the Executive Order (Temporary Moratorium on Residential and Commercial Evictions) – $1000 per violation
- Second Supplement to the Executive Order (Pier Closure) – for individuals: $100 for first violation, $250 for second violation within one year, $500 for third or subsequent violations within one year; for violations by businesses: $500 for first violation, $750 for second violation within one year, $1000 for third or subsequent violations within one year
- Third Supplement to the Executive Order (Business Closure) – $500 for first violation, $750 for second violation within one year, $1000 for third or subsequent violations within one year
- Eighth Supplement to the Executive Order (Stay at Home / Safer at Home Orders) – for individuals: $100 for first violation, $250 for second violation within one year, $500 for third or subsequent violations within one year; for violations by businesses: $500 for first violation, $750 for second violation within one year, $1000 for third or subsequent violations within one year
Because of overcrowding in areas like the Santa Monica and Venice beach as well as bike paths, trails, and other public facilities, more restrictions were put in place earlier this week to combat a major coronavirus outbreak. The city of Los Angeles announced that all hiking trails have been closed in addition to the Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority announcing the closure of all MCRA-operated parks, trails, and building facilities – including all parks owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.
Though many Angelenos are seeking to “find peace and comfort in the natural beauties of our city”, Mayor Garcetti urges locals to practice physical distancing which includes standing six-feet away from others and avoiding gatherings of 10 people or more. It’s important to remember that not all COVID-19 carriers show symptoms and can spread the virus without knowing they’re infected.
Learn more about what you CAN and CANNOT do while the safer-at-home order is in place, here.
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