Citations to be Issued for Non-Compliance
At Tuesday’s meeting, the Manhattan Beach City Council directed City Manager and Director of Emergency Services, Bruce Moe, to issue an emergency order strengthening the requirement to wear a face covering when in public, and setting penalties for those who do not comply with the order. The City’s order is pursuant to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Order. See the Emergency Order on the City’s website.
“The drastic increase in positive COVID-19 cases in our City and around Los Angeles County have shown us that additional measures must be taken to make it clear to the public that face coverings are essential right now. The time for warnings is over. Face coverings must be worn when you are outside of your home in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said Mayor Richard Montgomery. “If we do not take this action, Governor Gavin Newsom could expand businesses sector closures and thereafter, close our treasured beaches once again. We want to do the right thing and be proactive to avoid additional negative consequences.”
The emergency order authorizes administrative citations for failing to wear a face covering with fines of $100 for the first violation, $200 for a second violation, and $350 for each subsequent violation. The emergency order went into effect July 15, 2020. Limited exceptions to the face covering mandate may apply and are listed in the Emergency Order.
The City of Manhattan Beach joins other cities such as West Hollywood, Santa Monica and Beverly Hills in enacting similar emergency orders as a result of the pandemic.
It is the community’s shared responsibility to slow the spread of COVID-19. By adhering to social distancing, wearing face coverings, being safer at home, hand washing, and avoiding crowds, confined spaces, and close contact, we can collectively mitigate future surges in coronavirus cases.