header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
January 2
1855 - American Land Commission confirms 48,612-acre Rancho San Francisco (SCV) to Jacoba Feliz, widow of Antonio del Valle [story]
fake deed


| Thursday, Jul 16, 2020
Ralphs Castaic Line
A man wearing gloves and mask joins the line of shoppers as they wait for Ralphs Super Market to open in Castaic on Tuesday morning. Dan Watson/The Signal

 

Los Angeles County Health Officer Muntu Davis said Thursday the Department of Public Health responds to 2,000 to 3,000 complaints a week over businesses not complying with COVID-19 safety measures, with face coverings among the most common.

“We’re not seeing the compliance that we need, with the Public Health directives in place, to keep people’s health and livelihoods safe,” he said during a virtual media briefing.

The department’s inspectors have worked seven days a week, conducting unannounced site visits in response to “high-volume complaints” that officials receive via phone, web or email, said Davis.

Face masks in public are mandatory countywide and across California but the matter has become the center of conflicts involving customers refusing to wear them or employees not wearing them properly in the workplace.

“Among the most common compliance issues our inspectors encounter when they go out are an inconsistent and improper use of face coverings. This can include wearing a face covering just below the nose, wearing them below the chin,” said Davis, adding that they must cover both the nose and mouth. “It’s one of our most effective strategies that we have to prevent transmission.”

Across 52 investigations at restaurants, health inspectors have found that the most common non-compliance issues among employers include a lack of physical distancing in the kitchen area among employees, infection protocols are not shared with workers and customers, and that employers are unaware of requirements to quarantine employees who are close contacts of those who are positive. Among employees, the most common issue was not reporting symptoms or illness.

In 47 grocery store investigations and 23 at wholesale food manufacturing sites, the most common issues among employers included not sanitizing high-touch surfaces, failing to regularly monitor the maximum capacity of stores to prevent overcrowding and not posting infographics and signage for patrons. Employees also failed to report symptoms and to physically distance in break rooms.

When it comes to enforcement, Davis said the worst-case scenario is the issuance of fines or having to close down a business over repeated violations, but said, “It’s very rare that we have to go to that level but it always is an option on the table.”

With a high volume of complaints, he added that Public Health officials have been in conversation with the state about assistance in providing oversight and regulatory authority.

In Santa Clarita, Public Health had received more than 90 complaints in May about businesses defying safety measures, many of which involved face coverings. Complaints were attributed to smoke and vape shops, barbershops, car washes and food vendors without permits, according to Public Health on May 28.

Public Health officials did not return requests Thursday to provide updated information on local complaints.

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

0 Comments

You can be the first one to leave a comment.

Leave a Comment


LOS ANGELES COUNTY HEADLINES
Thursday, Jan 2, 2025
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has published the agenda for its Tuesday, Jan. 7 meeting starting at 9:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Jan 1, 2025
The South Coast Air Quality Management District continues to issue No Burn Day alerts for the first week of January.
Wednesday, Jan 1, 2025
Every year, law enforcement faces unforeseen challenges due to changes in laws, policies, and societal shifts.
Wednesday, Jan 1, 2025
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger proudly highlights her top accomplishments of 2024, showcasing her dedication to the residents of the Fifth District and Los Angeles County. 
Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is advising residents to not feed their pets Monarch Raw Pet Food sold at several farmers markets in California due to detection of H5 bird flu virus in product samples. A house cat that consumed this product has been confirmed H5 bird flu positive.

Keep Up With Our Facebook
Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
The city of Santa Clarita's “Exploring Domestic Spaces” exhibition will be on view through March 20, located at the Newhall Community Center, 22421 Market St. Newhall, CA 91321.
Newhall Community Center’s ‘Exploring Domestic Space Exhibition’ Runs Thru March
The Santa Clarita Artists Association presents "Signature YOU," Art Show, bringing an artists unique signature style to Old Town Newhall with a reception, 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18 at 22508 6th St., Newhall, CA 91321.
Jan. 18: SCAA Presents ‘Signature YOU’ Art Show Reception
Prepare businesses for 2025 with SCV Chamber’s comprehensive employment law update, led by Brian Koegle of Koegle Law Group, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23 at College of the Canyons University Center at 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.
Jan. 23: SCV Chamber’s 2025 Employment Law Update
The Placerita Canyon Nature Center will host a Community Hike on Saturday, Jan. 4, from 4-6 p.m.
Jan. 4: Community Hike at Placerita Canyon Nature Center
As we jump into the new year, the city of Santa Clarita has so much to be thankful for. The city’s 37 years of growth has brought the community top-notch events, a high quality of life and many amazing amenities.
Bill Miranda | Happy New Year, Santa Clarita!
The Old Town Newhall Public Library will host a adult Mindful Art Hour workshop Tuesday, Jan. 7, 4-5 p.m. at 24500 Main St., Santa Clarita, CA 91321.
Jan. 7: Mindful Art Hour at Newhall Library
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has published the agenda for its Tuesday, Jan. 7 meeting starting at 9:30 a.m.
Jan. 7: LA County Board of Supervisors Meeting
1855 - American Land Commission confirms 48,612-acre Rancho San Francisco (SCV) to Jacoba Feliz, widow of Antonio del Valle [story]
fake deed
Three of Santa Clarita’s most talented women artists, each employing a distinct medium will be showcasing over 30 original artworks at the Santa Paula Art Museum in an upcoming exhibit titled “A Brush With Nature: Three Artists’ Perspectives.”
Jan. 18: SCV Artists’ Showcase at Santa Paula Art Museum
The South Coast Air Quality Management District continues to issue No Burn Day alerts for the first week of January.
Jan. 2: No Burn Days Continue Into New Year
As we close out another year, let's take some time to celebrate and reflect on the progress we've made. It is this work we have done together that makes it such an honor to continue serving as your Assemblymember for another two years.
Pilar Schiavo: Celebrating Progress, Community, and a Bright Year Ahead
As the year 2024 comes to a close, it is a good time to reflect on what a great year had at SNAP Sports.
SNAP Sports Looks Back and Gives Thanks for 2024
The new year is a time to reset, while also setting goals for the next 12 months. Thanks to the leadership of our City Council, strategic planning has always been a key part of our City’s success.
Ken Striplin: Happy New Year
Every year, law enforcement faces unforeseen challenges due to changes in laws, policies, and societal shifts.
L.A. Sheriff’s Department Shares 2024 End of Year Highlights
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger and Supervisor Hilda L. Solis have introduced a motion to declare Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, a Day of Mourning across Los Angeles County in honor of former President Jimmy Carter, who recently passed away on Dec. 29, 2024, at the age of 100.
Supes Will Vote to Honor Former President Carter With Day of Mourning
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger proudly highlights her top accomplishments of 2024, showcasing her dedication to the residents of the Fifth District and Los Angeles County. 
Supervisor Kathryn Barger Celebrates Landmark Achievements in 2024
1850 - Death Valley '49ers William Manley & John Rogers reach SCV, find help for Bennett-Arcan party [story]
William Manly
The California Department of Public Health has launched "Take Space to Pause," a statewide campaign made for teens and by teens that will focus on reducing self-stigma surrounding youth mental health challenges and promoting positive ways to seek help.
Teens Encouraged To ‘Take Space to Pause’ To Help with Mental Health
By sustaining its commitment to support healthy individuals and families in healthful communities, the California Department of Public Health recognizes the need to transform as public health advances and society evolves.
Tomás J. Aragón, M.D. | California Department of Public Health
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is advising residents to not feed their pets Monarch Raw Pet Food sold at several farmers markets in California due to detection of H5 bird flu virus in product samples. A house cat that consumed this product has been confirmed H5 bird flu positive.
Public Health Warns Against Raw Milk, Meat for Humans, Pets
Chiquita Canyon, LLC has announced that the Chiquita Canyon Landfill is closing active waste disposal operations effective Jan. 1, 2025. The last day for accepting incoming solid waste at the landfill is Tuesday, Dec. 31. While waste disposal operations will conclude, Chiquita Canyon, LLC will continue to manage the landfill, address the noxious odor incident occurring onsite and oversee closure and post-closure activities.
Chiquita Canyon Landfill Ceases Operations Jan. 1
As we approach the end of 2024, we are wrapping up several big projects and planning new ones. Although we are currently tackling an issue with a faulty well, there is some good news to share as well.
Gabriella Skollar | Gibbon Conservation Center
Widespread use of fireworks related to New Year's Eve celebration coupled with calm weather conditions may worsen air quality in Los Angeles County, including the Santa Clarita Valley, thorugh 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1.
AQMD Issues Air Quality Alert Due to Increased Use of Fireworks
The Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency will hold its regular board meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 7 starting at 6 p.m.
Jan. 7: SCV Water Agency Regular Board Meeting
SCVNews.com