On Wednesday, the city of Hollister proposed an ordinance declaring businesses refusing to follow COVID-19 health and safety guidelines as public nuisances. The ordinance would make them eligible for penalties, fines and even having their business license revoked.
Mayor Ignacio Velasquez says the city of Hollister is currently in a state of health emergency.
Last week, more than 300 new cases were reported in San Benito County and another 100 cases on Wednesday alone.
Mayor Velasquez says the city has been trying to combat the surge in COVID-19 cases but has faced issues with a group called #OPENSBC, a group of residents and business owners pushing back against local health and safety guidelines. They argue the restrictions are too damaging to businesses.
