LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles County’s public health director said Monday she respects the rights of people who gathered outside her home over the weekend to protest newly enacted COVID-19 health restrictions, but said it doesn’t change the need to control the spread of the virus.
About 50 people chanted and waved signs outside Barbara Ferrer‘s Echo Park home on Sunday, Nov. 29, challenging the need for the tightened restrictions that prohibit gatherings and severely limit capacity at most retail establishments.
“I think again people everywhere have the right to protest and have the right to express themselves when they’re unhappy,” Ferrer said Monday. “I think, unfortunately, that can be upsetting, but that is their right and I’m assuming that people will continue to exercise their rights. That’s just where we are right now.”
“My hope is … it’s a relatively small group of folks and that it doesn’t in any way detract from what I think is the most important task in front of us right now,” Ferrer continued. “Yes, we’re asking a lot and yes people are going to have to make more sacrifices. But if we don’t get this virus under control it will cost all of us dearly.”
Protesters outside Ferrer’s home chanted slogans such as “No Science, no data, no shutdown” and “Open LA.” Few in the crowd wore face masks.
A video posted on Twitter (see below) showed protesters outside Ferrer’s home, many of them waving American flags. One waived a flag reading “Trump Train,” and another held a homemade sign, saying, “Only we the people can save the USA.”
The demonstration lasted about an hour and was reported to have broken up about 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29. There were no reports of arrests.
Anti-lockdown protesters are outside the home of Dr. Barbara Ferrer to protest the new restrictions in the county, such as no more outdoor dining at restaurants.
They’re chanting, “Open L.A.!” pic.twitter.com/0CNPmRxz68
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) November 30, 2020
Bob Dob says
The ones who spread disease are the morons who keep ignoring social distancing, don’t wear masks… Restaurants try to comply with the protocols, but it is the stupid people who keeps gathering outside those businesses like a careless super spreader mob… example just look at Schooners: all the mass of people with no masks, no distancing, those people (not the restaurant) don’t give a f@ck, because their “freedumb”…
Dan says
I appreciate this lady’s hard work as I do all in public health and our doctors and nurses. COVID-19 is real; it is not a hoax. We should not treat it as if it were. These people are trying to save our lives. With some real effort and consideration, we can get through this with a strong economy and more saved lives.
Loam says
Yes, COVID is not a hoax, but are shutdowns the right way of protecting our people? How many months of shutdowns have we had with this pandemic only growing in the past few weeks?
There are not only two extremes. We can discuss pros and cons without saying that Ferrer 100% correct or 100% wrong. Shouldn’t that discussion be held by our elected representatives?
Even the WHO has recommended that governments NOT impose lockdowns.
Loam says
It’s scary that an unelected administrator has the power to make decisions like this by fiat. Yes, she is not changing her mind and she does not care what it costs.
Kay says
Many people are also unaware that she is NOT a medical doctor.