LA to stop water, power for nonessential businesses refusing to close

Los Angeles will shut off water and power for non-essential businesses that refuse to close after the city’s 10 million residents were urged to stay home amid coronavirus outbreak

  • Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said there have been reports of so-called non-essential businesses ignoring orders to shut down
  • Garcetti warned that those ignoring warnings could face misdemeanor charges and the city could shut off the business’ water and electricity 
  • He described those businesses refusing to follow the near-lockdown as ‘irresponsible and selfish’ and said their actions would ‘put all of us at risk’ 
  • California is now reporting 2,675 confirmed coronavirus cases and 59 deaths 
  • Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?

The mayor of Los Angeles has vowed to shut off water and power for non-essential businesses that are refusing to close despite a lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic.  

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said there have been reports of so-called non-essential businesses ignoring orders to shut down.   

While he said he hoped for voluntary compliance, Garcetti warned that those ignoring warnings could face misdemeanor charges and the city could shut off the business’ water and electricity.

He described those businesses refusing to follow the near-lockdown as ‘irresponsible and selfish’ and said their actions would ‘put all of us at risk’. 

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has vowed to shut off water and power for non-essential businesses that are refusing to close despite a lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic. Pictured above is shuttered shops on the Venice Beach boardwalk

California is now reporting 2,675 confirmed coronavirus cases and 59 deaths. 

Los Angeles County, the nation’s largest with 10 million residents, announced a near-lockdown last week in an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus, urging all residents to stay home except for essential needs. 

The ‘Safer at Home’ order, which took effect last Friday, called for the closure of all non-essential businesses and prohibits gatherings of more than 10 people. 

Grocery stores and other essential businesses are allowed to remain open.

Like the lockdowns in place across other parts of the country, people in Los Angeles can still leave their homes for walks and exercise and for essential needs like food and medical care. 

Restaurant meals can also still be delivered to homes. 

While he said he hoped for voluntary compliance, Garcetti warned that those ignoring warnings could face misdemeanor charges and the city could shut off the business' water and electricity

While he said he hoped for voluntary compliance, Garcetti warned that those ignoring warnings could face misdemeanor charges and the city could shut off the business’ water and electricity

The San Francisco Bay Area and much of the rest of Northern California had already imposed similar restrictions. 

Throughout the state, lawmakers have been pleading with Californians to abide by local and state stay-at-home orders affecting some 40 million people. 

While most people and businesses were obeying the orders, there were hints that authorities were losing patience with scofflaws. 

Reports of people frequenting beaches and parks without maintaining a safe social distance prompted authorities to close parking lots. 

Dozens of Los Angeles-area parks, trails and facilities overseen by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority were closed down Sunday.

In the San Francisco Bay Area, authorities shut Drakes Beach, Agate Beach and other popular coastal spots, including Point Reyes Lighthouse and Chimney Rock Headlands. 

Los Angeles County, the nation's largest with 10 million residents, announced a near-lockdown last week in an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus, urging all residents to stay home except for essential needs

Los Angeles County, the nation’s largest with 10 million residents, announced a near-lockdown last week in an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus, urging all residents to stay home except for essential needs

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