Garcetti Says No Plan to Lockdown City, Announces Small Business Loan Program

Los  Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said Tuesday "there is no plan to lock down this city," because of the coronavirus outbreak.

"We ask all of you to lock down your life as much as possible," Garcetti said.

Several Bay Area counties were placed on lockdown earlier this week but Los Angeles hasn't reached the point where it needs to completely shelter in place, Garcetti said.

"The good news is (social distancing is) working," Garcetti said.

"What you're doing matters. I know it's been difficult for businesses, but this is saving lives. Angelenos have truly stepped up to the plate. We're seeing it, we're feeling it and we know social distancing saves lives."

Garcetti said he wants people to still be able to get out, but said if people can work from home, they should.

Garcetti again said the best way to beat the virus is to reduce the amount of contact people have with one another. People who do not show symptoms may still be vehicles for the virus, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

Garcetti also announced Tuesday his office has put $11 million toward no-fee loans for small businesses that have been affected by the coronavirus.

The loans will be for rent assistance and payroll and could help as many as 2,000 businesses, Garcetti said. More information on the program and assistance with in dealing with the economic downturn are available at lamayor.com/loan.

Garcetti expressed regret over the costs businesses have had to endure during the outbreak, particularly restaurants that have been restricted to only providing delivery service and drive-through operations.

Garcetti said he has placed a moratorium on commercial real estate evictions, much like the one that is being considered by the City Council for residential renters.

Garcetti said he plans to speak Wednesday about efforts to get homeless people sheltered so they too can adequately self-quarantine.