LOS ANGELES — Following a weekend that saw the reopening of more recreational amenities and increased curbside access to retailers, Los Angeles County health officials said May 18 that hundreds of businesses reopened without adhering to health restrictions, and some beachgoers flouted rules mandating face coverings and social distancing.
Barbara Ferrer, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, tried to strike a positive tone about the large numbers of residents and businesses that adhered to continuing health restrictions over the weekend, but said there were problems.
Both Ferrer and County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, however, lamented the weekend scene in places like Malibu, where hundreds of people flocked to beaches while disregarding face-mask and social-distancing requirements.
Ferrer thanked people who went to many other county beaches and abided by regulations, but said the health department did receive reports of issues in Malibu.
“But I want to remind folks that you don’t know when you’re in a public space or place who the people are that are around you who may have underlying health conditions and may in fact be the very person that is going to end up in the hospital because you didn’t make that extra effort to put on that face covering and to keep your distance,” Ferrer added.
