Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Could a vaccine mandate stop the COVID surge in LA? Supervisor Janice Hahn wants to find out
The LA County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Tuesday to draft a report exploring how a vaccine mandate for certain indoor businesses — such as gyms, bars and restaurants — would work. LA County staff have two weeks to report back.
By Madeleine Brand • • 50m ListenThe LA County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Tuesday to draft a report exploring how a vaccine mandate for certain indoor businesses — such as gyms, bars and restaurants — would work. LA County staff have two weeks to report back. Also within the next two weeks: All county employees will be required to be vaccinated or undergo weekly coronavirus testing.
“I just wanted to make sure that the public knows that we're looking at this. We're going to debate it. We're going to ask the tough questions. … I wanted my colleagues and I on the Board of Supervisors to be advised by our experts, if in fact, we choose to do this,” says LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn.
After multiple attempts to stop the spread of COVID, Hahn says it’s time to do what’s needed to keep people safe.
“We've done everything possible to get people vaccinated. They are safe, they are free, they're accessible. We will take this mobile [vaccination] van wherever you want,” she says. “But at some point, you realize that not enough people have gotten vaccinated for us to achieve this herd immunity, and we might have to try something a little bit stronger.”
In this episode
5 storiesCould a vaccine mandate stop the latest COVID surge? LA Supervisor Janice Hahn wants to explore the idea
“At some point, you realize that not enough people have gotten vaccinated for us to achieve this herd immunity, and we might have to try something a little bit stronger,” says LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn.
Read the story11 minLAUSD fall semester starts in days, but thousands of jobs there remain unfilled
California is the first state in the nation to require all teachers and school staff to be vaccinated or undergo regular COVID testing. That’s already the plan in Los Angeles public schools. But there will be fewer teachers and staff to vaccinate.
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LA artist Richard Ankrom installed his most celebrated piece of public art 20 years ago this month. It was a small addition to an overhead sign on the 110 North freeway downtown, which just said “110 North Pasadena” across its wide, green canvas.
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