TITLE
Recommendation to request City Manager to report back on enforcement for violations of the City’s health order, specifically wearing a mask in public and in gatherings and explore more hand sanitation stations near playgrounds and other facilities that the City manages.
DISCUSSION
This past week Governor Newsom instituted a statewide mask mandate, and while the City has been one of the first CA cities to have one - to date we have not fully enforced this mandate.To date, no one has been cited, yet our COVID-19 numbers are on the rise. Our residents, small businesses and City budget are experiencing financial impacts.
We have fines in place that are not being levied. Some options including enforcement fines which include an income waiver for people who cannot afford the fines and instead could do community service. Additionally, our City staff must be held accountable to the same standards we expect from the public. Staff should report back on procedures for when complaints are filed regarding City employees not wearing a mask.
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, many individuals continue to disobey the State’s and City’s health order laws. This week, Long Beach has had an increase of nearly 300 positive cases and over 250 fatalities.
We are in unprecedented times as hospitalization capacity has decreased. Los Angeles County continues to be in the purple tier and ICU units are expected to be at 107% capacity by December 24. It is of vital importance for the City of Long Beach to enforce stricter measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Reducing the number of cases will help with gradual openings of locations that are currently being impacted.
Cities like Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Glendale, Manhattan Beach among many more have taken these action steps to have residents be ethically responsible. There is an urgent action that needs to be taken to stop the spread and impacts of COVID-19.
The City has a mask required policy, and the Council has voted to allow for fines should this be violated.
URGENCY STATEMENT
Due to the increase of COVID-19 cases, this is a recommended urgent action.
FISCAL IMPACT
Due to the urgency of this issue, this recommendation was not reviewed by Financial Management, but is anticipated to result in a moderate impact to staff hours beyond normal budgeted scope of duties and a moderate impact of City Council priorities.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
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Respectfully Submitted,
JEANNINE PEARCE
COUNCILMEMBER, SECOND DISTRICT
MARY ZENDEJAS
COUNCILWOMEN, FIRST DISTRICT
ROBERTO URANGA
COUNCILMEMBER, SEVENTH DISTRICT