Mayor Eric Garcetti announced measures to defer rent payments and offer loans to small businesses
Entertainment venues should remain closed.
Photo:
EPA / EUGENE GARCIA / EFE
Angelino Mayor Eric Garcetti Sunday night on closure of bars, restaurants, gyms and entertainment venues as a measure to contain the spread of the coronavirus in the city of Los Angeles. Bars and restaurants will be able to continue selling takeaway food.
Garcetti also announced a moratorium for tenants unable to pay their rent as a result of the pandemic and has asked the city attorney general to investigate whether the local government has the power to stop commercial evictions. On the other hand, the mayor of the entertainment capital of the world said he is working in a fund to offer loans to small businesses.
"Our decisions will determine the future of our loved ones [and] the duration of this crisis," said the first mayor of LA. “We need to take these steps to protect our city at this time. […] The work we do now will have an impact on the history of the city. We have to do everything possible to stop the spread of this virus. "
The announced order – which includes the closing of places of worship – will take effect at midnight on Monday. "We have an incredible first amendment," Garcetti said. "So while we cannot order the closure of churches, mosques, or synagogues, we ask that they" do so.
Hours before Garcetti made these measures public, Governor Gavin Newsom asked those over 65 and people with diseases not to take to the streets of California, or other public places to slow the spread of the virus.
