Sacramento County Weighs COVID Enforcement Measures

When it comes to public health restrictions in Sacramento County, they’re proving to be mostly bark and no bite. That’s a problem as cases and hospitalizations soar.

On Tuesday, health officials will ask the Board of Supervisors to approve an urgency ordinance allowing fines for businesses that refuse to follow state and local health rules, according to the Sacramento Bee. It’s not clear how high the fines would be, but neighboring Yolo County established a base fine of $500.

Sacramento has tried to be cognizant of the difficulties small businesses face, especially without a second coronavirus relief package to hold onto. But a worsening health situation has left them without much choice. Sacramento was one of three counties that slid back into the state’s most severe tier last week.

“Most businesses are working well,” said county health chief Dr. Peter Beilenson. “But there are some bad actors.”

Soon, the bad actors may have to pay up.