Los Angeles sports this season are an anomaly from past years. Fans have been treated widespread success from both the Dodgers and Lakers.
LeBron and company led the Lakers to their first NBA title in 10 years, sparking celebrations across Southern California. Masses gathered in LA Live, fans hosted parties, and bars filled with fans eager to celebrate.
On the other hand, the Dodgers are currently up 3-2 in the World Series. If the ‘boys in blue manage’ to beat the Rays, similar celebrations will undoubtedly pop up all over the southland.
At any other time, such celebrations would be a great time for fans and residents in the area. However, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, such celebrations counteract the fight against the virus.
Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer offered her knowledge when addressing the celebrations.
“Celebrate in ways that don’t actually result in increases in our cases,” she went on to say. “During a pandemic some of the things we’ve done in the past just don’t make sense.”
Concerns emerge as many fans seemingly don’t adhere to social distancing rules while celebrating. Many fans in view wear masks, but 100% accountability is nearly impossible in groups of hundreds of people.
Earlier this month, the Lakers’ title resulted in pseudo-rioting in downtown Los Angeles. Even the LAPD got involved in massive demonstrations across the city.
With the chance to clinch the World Series tonight, the LAPD and public health officials are gearing for the worst. Based on the Lakers’ title-clinching win events, riots can certainly occur for the second time in a month.
Controversy surrounded the police’s attempt to disperse the crowds as there were reports of injuries and arrests throughout the county.
LA County’s daily case rate reportedly rose from last week’s average of 940 to 1,200 currently. Ferrer attributes the rise partly due to fan gatherings. If the Dodgers manage to win, the county will have to brave surging Covid-19 cases.
