Los Angeles to shut off water from homes and businesses that violate coronavirus restrictions by hosting large gatherings

Homes and businesses caught violating Covid-19 restrictions in Los Angeles will have their water and electricity cut off from Friday, the city's mayor announced.

Mayor Eric Garcetti said he had given permission to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to stop services for anyone caught hosting unauthorised gatherings.

It came after one woman was killed and two wounded after shots were fired in the early hours at a mansion party in Beverly Crest, Los Angeles.

Mr Garcetti, a Democrat, used the example of the house party during his conference, and assured citizens that only the most "egregious" offenders would face having their utilities shut off.

"Recently we've seen the reports of some large parties and gatherings in flagrant violation of health ordinances.

"As our county Department of Public Health said yesterday, and I quote, '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,'" he said.

He added that repeat offenders will also face criminal charges.

According to Fox news, Mr Garcetti, said "By turning off that power, shutting off that water, we feel we can close these places down, which usually are not one-time offenders but multiple-offenders."

A KTTV reporter asked the mayor about how legal his new order was, and Mr Garcetti replied that city attorneys have assured him the order is "rooted in strong law."

He added: "We know we can do this."

The number of coronavirus infections continues to rise in California. In the past week the state saw an average of 7,620 new cases and 140.7 new deaths per day, the Los Angeles Times reported.

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