The plan to implement the public health councils, outlined in a Nov. 5 report to supervisors from Department of Public Health director Barbara Ferrer, takes into account concern expressed by business leaders by narrowing its initial focus to certain industry sectors. Third-party organizations, such as nonprofits and unions, will be certified by the county to train councils on coronavirus health protocols. Rob Nothoff, policy director for the L.A. County Federation of Labor, called the public health councils “a great step forward” that he wants to see applied in the grocery store sector as well. AdvertisementSarah Wiltfong, BizFed’s policy manager, said the public health councils should only be used as a remedial action. “It seems to add several different layers to trying to get businesses in compliance as opposed to working with the Department of Public Health directly.”The Board of Supervisors directed the Department of Public Health to report back in six months on the initiative’s progress.

Source: Los Angeles Times November 10, 2020 23:47 UTC