LA Mayor: Black Lives Matter Protesters to Quarantine for 14 Days, Get COVID-19 Test
Eric Garcetti says everyone who attended BLM protests should self-quarantine
© press
The mayor of Los Angeles is calling on all residents in his city who attended Black Lives Matter protests to go into self-quarantine for 14 days and get tested for COVID-19.
Mayor Eric Garcetti's comments come over fears the gatherings may have triggered a second outbreak due to possible exposure to the coronavirus.
"If you were out protesting, as I’ve said, please go get a test — a free test, at one of our open testing centers,” Garcetti urged the public during a press briefing.
"Consider self-quarantining for 14 days, and get tested for COVID-19.
"We have a test waiting for you at one of the 24 testing sites across the city and county,” the Democratic mayor added.
Garcetti issued the warning on the day after the funeral of George Floyd, who was killed in police custody on Memorial Day in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
© press
Garcetti emphasized the message of the Black Lives Matter protests as he spoke to the media.
“People of all backgrounds, genders, and race have come together to demand change,” he said.
“I believe we will emerge from these days as a different city, and a different country — a better city, and a better country — and I hope, too, a better world,” the mayor added.
Garcetti also referred to his announcement last week to slash over 10 percent off the police budget.
The move was in deference to the demand of Black Lives Matter protesters that he “defund the police.”
“We’re changing our budgets to make investments where we need them,” he said in reference to the $150 million in cuts to the LAPD, plus $100 million from other priorities.
© press
Garcetti asserted that, with a smaller budget, the police would adopt new practices aimed at “21st-century policing goals.”
He noted that the LAPD had agreed to end the use of “carotid holds.”
The restraining technique, otherwise known as “sleeper holds” or “rear-naked choke” holds, cause unconsciousness.
Mayor Garcetti also revealed gyms would be able to re-open this Friday, with new restrictions and rules in place.
Many other businesses will continue to remain closed, however.
There had been a 1 percent increase in new coronavirus cases since the day before, he said.
64 deaths have also occurred in the city in the previous 24 hours.
