LA Mayor Cuts Off TikTokkers’ Electricity to Stop Them Partying During Pandemic
How do city officials ensure that people are abiding by the rules during the pandemic and avoiding large gatherings? Shutting off their access to power is one extreme method. When a group of TikTok influencers refused to stop partying at their rented mansion in Los Angeles, even after receiving multiple notices that they were in violation of public health guidelines and flouting social distancing, city officials did just that.
The New York Times reported that on Wednesday 19 August, Mayor of Los Angeles, Eric Garcetti, gave authorization to disconnect service to a property currently being rented by influencers Bryce Hall, Noah Beck, and Blake Gray (known collectively as "Sway House"), and criticised them for exposing people in the wider area to a greater degree of risk.
"Despite several warnings, this house has turned into a nightclub in the hills, hosting large gatherings in flagrant violation of our public health orders," said Garcetti in an official statement on Wednesday. "The city has now disconnected utilities at this home to stop these parties that endanger our community."
The Los Angeles Department of Public Health issued announcements earlier this month advising city residents of the dangers of hosting house parties at a time when transmission of the coronavirus is still a high risk.
"The highest-risk settings are large in-person gatherings where it is difficult for individuals to remain spaced at least six feet apart and where face coverings are not worn," said Garcetti. "The consequences of these large parties ripple throughout our entire community because the virus can quickly and easily spread."
Prior to the power being shut off at the Hollywood Hills property, Hall had posted footage online of his 21st birthday party at another house in Encino, where more than 100 guests were in attendance.
While shutting off power to an address is a drastic measure, the Mayor's office has also stated that it will take the same action again, should other residences be found to be hosting large gatherings during the pandemic.
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