Dear Editor:

COVID-19 has certainly affected small businesses throughout the country and Downey is no exception. That’s why I thought it was a great idea when the city closed down the area between 2nd and 3rd streets on Downey avenue. 

Keeping small business afloat is certainly important, however, I think keeping our community healthy is even more important.

I will not single out any business, but certainly you can look at social media posts and see some of these businesses are not adhering to social distancing guidelines. Downey has given the opportunity for these businesses to move seating outside and yet every Sunday morning I see people posting Instagram stories from the night before. People are jammed packed in these outside areas, not a mask in sight.

I understand the risk of transmission in outside areas is lower than inside areas. But when you’re placing tables three feet away from each other, enclosing your area, and adding a canopy, you might as well be inside.

The last I checked Downey ranked in the top five of all cities in LA County in terms of COVID-19 cases. If we continue to let these businesses skirt around social distancing guidelines, we will continue to see cases in our community go up.

John Juarez
Downey