The crowd, which appeared to be about 75 to 100 people, was singing outside The Oaks mall – right next to a COVID-19 testing center.
There were people of all ages, from children to seniors, in the group. Few, if any, wore masks or distanced themselves in aerial footage from AIR7 HD.
They apparently ignored repeated warnings from health officials across the region urging people not to gather in groups and always wear masks in public, as COVID-19 patients fill local hospitals to their maximum capacity.
Officials have warned that such events could serve as “super spreaders” that cause infections in large numbers of people in a short period of time, then infect other family members and friends before they even realize they have the virus.
Officials at The Oaks mall said the “irresponsible” event was not approved by the mall and have requested a relocation.
“The event currently taking place at The Oaks is a non-sanctioned event,” said mall officials.
“We continue to share our community’s concerns about these irresponsible – but constitutionally protected – events and have law enforcement on the premises. We have contacted the organizer to request that the event be moved.”
This is the second event hosted by the former “Growing Pains” actor turned evangelist. His first event was criticized for its contribution to the spread of the coronavirus.
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After that first event was held, the Mayor of Thousand Oaks, Claudia Bill-de la Pena, commented: “Freedom and liberty are very fragile and they come with great responsibility. Keeping large meetings and ignoring all guidelines is to my opinion unchristian. “
In an invitation to Tuesday’s event, Cameron called it a “ peaceful protest. ”
“Make your voice heard in this peaceful protest in honor of the Prince of Peace,” Cameron wrote on social media.
Ventura County has recorded more than 200 deaths and more than 31,000 cases since the start of the pandemic. The province reported 2,049 new cases on Monday alone.
More than 300 patients have now been hospitalized for COVID-19 in Ventura County, with 68 in the ICU.
Ventura County health officials, like their statewide counterparts, have urged the public not to gather with groups outside of their own households and to wear masks outdoors.
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“Our heroes wear masks! Shout out to ICU first responders who work 24/7 to serve our community,” provincial officials said in a COVID-19 update sent this week.
Thank you, Ventura County, for helping them by masking, distancing themselves socially, and not getting together at this critical time. Let’s save lives and save businesses by reducing numbers. ‘
In addition, a COVID-19 outbreak in Ventura County jails has led the sheriff to order the release of 76 low-ranking offenders who have less than 60 days to spend on their sentences in an effort to reduce the prison population and free up more space. to make up for distance.
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