Los Angeles authorities will start cutting off water and power to homes and companies caught hosting unauthorised large gatherings. They mayor said the measure was needed because of the coronavirus restrictions, as authorities have recently witnessed a number of large house parties and gatherings held in violation of health ordinances.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced on Wednesday night that by the end of the week, the city will start cutting off water and electric services to homes and businesses caught holding unauthorised large gatherings in violation of coronavirus restrictions.

Garcetti said Los Angeles has recently witnessed several parties and large gatherings, even though these are forbidden under current rules. „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.

As bars and nightclubs are already shut down and the large house parties have essentially taken over the role of nightclubs in the city, the mayor has authorised the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to cut services to anyone caught allowing people to assemble in „large” gatherings without permission, starting on Friday night. „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,” he explained.

The mayor s move appears justified in light of recent events, as a mansion party on Monday night ended with a shooting which left one woman dead.