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LA Health Inspectors Are Fining Businesses Who Fall Short On COVID-19 Rules
A notice at Tak's Coffee Shop in Crenshaw asks patrons to wear a face mask inside the restaurant. Businesses that don't comply with health orders will soon face fines. (Chava Sanchez/LAist)
Since the end of August, L.A. County health inspectors have issued 30 citations and posed $23,000 in fines to businesses that break the health officer rules, like requiring employees to wear masks.
County health officials said inspectors "review reopening protocols with business owners" to ensure they're familiar with requirements for:
- Disinfection
- Use of face coverings
- Physical distancing, and any other specific required modifications.
While the main focus, according to officials, is on education, fines have been issued.
To help put customers at ease and make sure businesses are aware of the regulations, the county’s chief medical officer Dr. Muntu Davis announced a self-reported COVID-19 safety compliance certificate program. Businesses and employees can complete the progam on the county’s website.
“Participation in this program is not mandatory, but it can serve to train businesses and to demonstrate to the public that a business understands and is implementing the required protocols," Davis said.
After watching a video and taking a short quiz, businesses can post their safety compliance certificate on their doors. Whether or not a business takes the county up on the certificate program, all businesses that are open are required to follow workplace rules and could be subject to fines if they do not.
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