El Paso compliance officers struggle to enforce public health orders
EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — Compliance officers in El Paso said a big obstacle is in the way of trying to curb the spread of COVID-19 and took their concerns to city council.
According to El Paso’s compliance officers, people failing to social distance, businesses over capacity and people who aren’t wearing face coverings are among the biggest issues they’re seeing right now.
Officers said they are witnessing violations taking place at businesses, but those businesses are locking the door and not letting them in. According to the compliance officers, there’s no way of getting them in for any kind of enforcement once that happens.
Bars are also gaming the system operating as restaurants but closing their kitchens late at night, according to the officers.
"We can't do this by ourselves. We're hoping for a real good working relationship with the people who live here and the people who work here, that they'll do their part," Ellen Smyth, managing director of El Paso Environmental Services, said.
Smyth said compliance officers are able to call police to assist them, but El Paso police are already overwhelmed with their own calls.
Officials also said no citations have been given to people not wearing face coverings.
_____________________________
Follow the biggest stories from our area each day by signing up for our newsletter.
