The city of Inglewood has reached 311 positive COVID-19 cases on April 29th. Despite the Los Angeles County Public Health Department’s posting of where some of the cases originated, we do know that construction workers are defying the state mandate of social distancing while performing their “essential” job. 
Initially there was concern about the construction work being allowed to continue at SoFi Stadium and apparently at the urging of Inglewood Mayor James Butts, who cited the number of Inglewood residents allegedly working on the project. Related: SoFi Stadium construction continues amid coronavirus pandemic: ‘Everyone is a little nervous’ Representatives from Turner-AECOM Hunt were forced to issue a press release stating that their workers were following social distancing guidelines.
At SoFi, social distancing is enforced through measures such as barring gatherings of more than 10 people, limiting access to the personnel hoist, suspending or re-sequencing tasks that “require close contact” and mandating workers keep “six feet of separation between each other,” the project spokesman said.
A third SoFi Stadium construction worker has tested positive for COVID-19 who was working on the exterior of the stadium, just as we see the workers huddled together on April 29th, in violation of social distancing orders.
Inglewood residents have no way to corroborate that the workers are in a safe environment, as they have been threatened with having their cellphones tracked and fired for leaking photos/information to the public.
Another construction project, that has gone under the medias radar, is enhancements to Prairie Ave, by Sully-Miller. Sully-Miller was awarded a nearly $3.3 million contract last December to enhance the main thoroughfare that runs along SoFi Stadium and the potential Clippers arena. The work takes place along Prairie between Manchester and Imperial. On April 29th this author observed contractors who were not social distancing and many weren’t wearing protective coverings either.
2UrbanGirls reached out to Sully-Miller project manager Samuel Kirk who did not respond to requests about guidelines their subcontractors had to adhere to. The Inglewood city council mandated face coverings on April 21st.
Many of the workers observed in clusters and without protective gear where across the street from Northgate Market, where they have eight reported cases. 2UrbanGirls was unable to reach Mayor Butts to find out how the city is enforcing construction sites to adhere to both local and state ordinances.
Related: Coronavirus testing in LA expanded to include construction workers without symptoms
It was announced that construction workers can now be tested for COVID-19 whether they have symptoms or not. The city’s of Los Angeles and Carson are also allowing residents to be tested without symptoms. In Inglewood, there is a testing location at the Forum, but they are only accepting you with symptoms which has angered many residents who feel our city council isn’t doing enough to protect residents.
“The statistics show that Inglewiod is 4 to 5 tines higher than surrounding areas on last week’s report. Higher than Carson, why did they not put forth succesful efforts. The event at the forum was not for all residents but brought here those with symptoms recruted thru out greater L.A area. I have heard no actions taken to benefit specifically Inglewood residents by Inglewood politicians duvring this critical time, we have certainly seen promotional media of them prior to this virus. It seems now they have disappeared , when essential city specific info and action taken is needed. The number of reported COVID-19 cases is very high here, I would like to know what action THEY are now and have taken for Inglewood for residents,” said Jan Brown.
City Hall is scheduled to reopen on May 18th, however, ALL construction workers in the city of Inglewood should be mandated to be tested to ensure this deadly disease does not continue to spread.
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These workers are always in local stores etc. In the area passing it to residents that have to do their business in the city. This needs to be addressed
Your pathetic attempt of fear mongering falls short! Your article is distasteful and far fetched. People like you feed off the ignorance of those that lack the ability to rationalize.
Stop to think of the ramifications your insinuations might have on those hard working individuals that are improving your city.
Sully-Miller should be monitoring the project and ensure their workers, and those working for sub-contractors, adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Truly, this article was a failed attempt of journalism. Please, report facts and refrain from the false accusations and fear mongering techniques. I would think that an Urban Women would want to live with integrity.
Is this Mayor Butts? It sure does sound like him.
YOU ARE VERY IGNORANT AND HAS NO COMMON SENSE/ THAT IS A PRIVATE BUSINESS/ YOU ARE CONCERNED MORE ABOUT MONEY/PROFIT THAN THE WORKERS HEALTH/ SO FI STADIUM IS NOT IMPROVING INGLEWOOD/ MUTUAL BENEFITS? TRAINEE PROGRAMS/SCHOOLS IN STATE RECEIVERSHIP/CITY FINANCIAL CONDITION BLEAK/RESIDENT HEALTH IS TOP CONCERN/
HARD WORKING INDIVIDUALS BUILT THIS COUNTRY AND ALL CITIES/ HEALTH IS FOR ALL/WORKERS SHOULD BE PROTECTED WITH COVIS 19 HERE/ INGLEWOOD RESIDENTS BELIEVE HEALTH IS WEALTH/ YOUR DUMB AZZ COMMENT SOUND LIKE TRUMP:S DOG WHISTLE RESPONSE
Your assertion the construction workers are violating the rules designed to protect them is well founded, but to suggest that the workers are in turn infecting the good citizens of Inglewood is ridiculous at best and possibly inflammatory and sensation seeking at worst. Shame on you.
Inglewood has the most cases in the South Bay where major construction is taking place. Construction workers continue to test positive and if this disease is truly airborne, it is not illogical to believe it can travel in the dust while residents are driving down the street. If experts conclude that this disease can live on shoes and clothing, it can be carried down the street and into any store the construction workers come in contact with.
Obviously they are going to pass it around. Masks are worn incorrectly or not worn at all!!! Who’s supervising them?? Looks like no one
Taylor Swift– she dodged a bullet by cancelling in Inglewood. She would do better by delivering her performance from her living room through Zoom call Jumbotron.
LOOKING FORWARD TO THE PERFORMANCE THRU ZOOM