Mayor, City clarifies: health mandates will be enforced

DOWNEY - Mayor Blanca Pacheco released a statement Friday clarifying the city’s stance on recent health mandates put in place by Los Angeles County.

“In response to a recent article in the Downey Patriot Newspaper regarding the City’s  response to Stay at Home Orders, I would like to make it very clear that the City of  Downey has and will continue to enforce both State and County Stay at Home Orders.  From the very beginning of this pandemic, the City has been proactive in encouraging residents to do their part to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community. We constantly share important information to keep our residents and businesses updated on new restrictions, closures and safety precautions to stay healthy.  

Our Code Enforcement Division has responded to several complaints regarding businesses not abiding by health order protocols and has also referred several of these complaints to the L.A. County Department of Public Health for further investigation. Our Downey Police Department continues to respond to reports of large gatherings in the City and issues warnings and citations for non-compliance. We have a dedicated COVID-19 hotline number (562-299-6711) where residents can call to report those who are not complying with health orders. We are doing everything we can as a City to make sure our community complies with all of the safety guidelines issued by the State and County.  

This is a critical time in the pandemic that requires all of us to take action and be diligent. Please continue to wear a mask, wash your hands, keep your distance and avoid gatherings. It’s that simple. Let’s all work together to protect ourselves and others. Stay safe Downey.”