I respect LA County’s decision to extend the lockdown for another 3 months. People’s lives must always come first. But we cannot ignore people’s economic suffering. It may force people to migrate out of Los Angeles into other counties and states, spreading COVID-19 even further.

That’s why it is of utmost importance for LA County to institute a robust economic relief package for LA County residents, especially for the most poor and vulnerable who don’t have savings to last them this long. Rent must not only be suspended but forgiven. And UBI is a must.

If we ignore people’s economic suffering and expect them to just shut up and stay at home to save lives, that is cruel and inhumane. Poverty is not just an economic issue but has profound health consequences too. People need money to live. If they can’t work, they need stipends.