LA Mayor Threatens to Cut off Water, Power to Those Who Break Coronavirus Safety Measures

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti (D) is threatening to permanently shut off water and power for those who are in violation of coronavirus safety requirements.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Garcetti granted authorization for the city to shut off utilities at “houses, businesses, and other venues” that violate coronavirus safety measures.

“I am authorizing the city to shut off Los Angeles Department of Water and Power services in the egregious cases of which houses, businesses, and other venues are hosting unpermitted large gatherings,” Garcetti said.

According to Garcetti, the decision comes as law enforcement officials are facing challenges dealing with large social gatherings.

Despite the closure of all nightclubs and bars, house parties have continued at other types of venues and Garcetti claims many of the violators are not first-time offenders.

“By turning off that power, shutting off that water we feel we can close these places down, which usually are not one-time offenders but multiple-offenders,” Garcetti said.

Garcetti’s decision comes amid the state of California’s ongoing fight against the coronavirus. Unlike most states that have seen significant increases and decreases in coronavirus cases, California has seen a slight decrease in cases after spiking in July.