More COVID-19 restrictions possible in Los Angeles County

ANGELS – With a continued rise in COVID-19 cases that has flooded hospitals with patients and resulted in deaths roughly every six minutes, Los Angeles County officials today continue to weigh possible new trade restrictions in hopes of slow the spread of the virus.

By the end of Friday, however, no announcement had been made.

The county supervisory board held a special closed-door meeting on Friday afternoon, with several reports suggesting the panel would discuss possible new restrictions, potentially shutting down indoor malls and other non-essential businesses. The board, however, only met for about ten minutes before emerging and announcing that no actionable action had been taken during its session.

Asked about possible new restrictions being imposed, Dr Paul Simon, scientific director of the county public health department, said on Friday afternoon that if he had not been informed of an impending announcement, “all possible potential interventions are on the table. “

“I know we are having discussions in the county to determine if further action is needed,” he said, highlighting the county’s concern “regarding the high level of spread of the virus in the community.”

Currently, non-essential businesses are already operating under a hard 20% capacity limit.

Los Angeles is the new epicenter of the coronavirus crisis. With hospitals flooded and healthcare workers tired.

The numbers are alarming as Los Angeles County continues to see a post-vacation increase in COVID-19 cases and deaths. As of Thursday, 17,323 new cases of the virus were reported, as well as 287 deaths. Now LA County is averaging 2,000 deaths per week from the novel coronavirus – one life lost roughly every six minutes.

RELATED: Stay up to date on all coronavirus related information

In addition, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti confirmed Thursday evening that the county is considering the possibility of tightening the guidelines.

This week, the LA County Public Health Department noted that workplace epidemics had exploded in recent weeks, adding to the spike in cases.

In addition to the economic impact of closing more businesses, officials must determine whether or not people will comply with new guidelines. Many companies have completely ignored the health orders and parties and the protests have never ceased.

A recent example is a swingers party in South Los Angeles that was cut short by the LA County Sheriff’s Department where dozens of revelers were cited.

RELATED: Superspreader Swinger Party Busted In South Los Angeles

Getting together with strangers, and for even more intimate contact, is exactly what health officials say is fueling the wave.

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