The West Hollywood City Council passed an ordinance on Dec. 21 requiring grocery stores to station someone at entrances to enforce public health measures like facial coverings, social distancing, and occupancy limits. This comes as Los Angeles faces an unprecedented wave of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations, straining the county’s already fatigued healthcare system. Despite this, resistance to county and state restrictions has led to confrontations in essential businesses that remain open during the pandemic, including grocery stores.
“The proposed ordinance is necessary in order to assist in protecting essential workers and customers from the potential risk of exposure to COVID-19,” reads a staff report compiled for the Dec. 21 Regular Meeting. Under the ordinance, the designated person at the entrance could be an employee, security guard or other hired individual trained on the current public health guidelines. “The person would ensure people are entering the store wearing a mask and ensure proper distancing guidelines are followed.”
