With cases spiking in Contra Costa County, a task force is ready to investigate and issue fines to businesses not playing by the rules.
RELATED: Contra Costa County returns to red tier as COVID-19 cases rise
Kourosh Naderi had few customers Wednesday night, at Burger Loft in downtown Walnut Creek.
[Ads /]
"It's been raining, nobody wants to sit outside, it's so cold," Naderi said.
A surge in coronavirus cases has put Contra Costa County in the purple tier with tighter restrictions. Naderi's employees know the rules.
"I make sure they have a mask and wash their hands 200 times a day," said Naderi.
VIDEO: Bay Area hospitals preparing triage centers amid coronavirus surge
Bay Area hospitals 'gearing up for battle' amid COVID-19 surge
But not every business or individual plays by the rules. The Contra Costa County Da's COVID-19 Task force has already received 100 health complaints in the past two weeks.
"Specifically we're worried about face masks and social distancing," said Scott Alonso, spokesperson from the Contra Costa County District Attorneys office.
Alonso says the task force is prepared to issue fines from $100 to $1000 dollars.
"It's like a traffic ticket, we can escalate that if we see repeat violations, said Alonso.
RELATED: Map shows which counties can, can't reopen under Newsom's new 4-tier system
[Ads /]
Barbershop owner Freddy Sanchez likes the extra enforcement.
"It's important to have people making sure we're doing what's right," Sanchez said.
Anyone with a health complaint can call the DA'S fraud hotline and leave a message. The number is (925) 957-8608 or you can send an email to DA-reportfraud@contrscostada.org
Not everyone thinks the hotline will be beneficial.
"Right now people are angry with a lot of issues that many not have anything to do with that business," said Elizabeth Garcia who lives in Walnut Creek.
"If you're not happy with something, you have the option to leave," said Natalie Garcia.
"We know businesses are struggling, we're not trying to be punitive, we're trying to protect public," Alonso added.
[Ads /]
The DA's office says it wants to educate merchants about the health order. And if that doesn't work, they are prepared to take enforcement to the next level.
If you have a question or comment about the coronavirus pandemic, submit yours via the form below or here.
- Map: CA counties that can, can't reopen under new rules
- COVID-19 risk calculator: The safest and most dangerous things to do this holiday season
- Updated number of COVID-19 deaths, cases in Bay Area
- COVID-19 Help: Comprehensive list of resources, information
- California EDD: The most commonly asked questions we get about unemployment and PUA
- Health experts urge flu shots in effort to avoid 'twindemic'
- How to tell the difference between seasonal allergies and coronavirus symptoms
- Here's which mask is better to protect from COVID-19
- First COVID-19 vaccine volunteers in US describe experience as Bay Area launches vaccine trials
- From salons to dinner parties: Experts rate the risk of 12 activities
- Coronavirus origin: Where did COVID-19 come from?
- What is a COVID-19 genetic, antigen and antibody test?
- What will it take to get a COVID-19 vaccine and how will it be made?
- What does COVID-19 do to your body and why does it spread so easily?
- Here's how shelter in place, stay at home orders can slow spread of COVID-19
- Coronavirus Timeline: Tracking major moments of COVID-19 pandemic in San Francisco Bay Area
- COVID-19 Diaries: Personal stories of Bay Area residents during novel coronavirus pandemic
- Coronavirus Doctor's Note: Dr. Alok Patel gives his insight into COVID-19 pandemic