(La Porte, IN) - Local business owners are being advised to guard against COVID-19 or possibly face legal consequences.

The La Porte County Health Department is sending letters to business owners throughout the county.  There have been complaints about some businesses not following the recommended safety guidelines, said Dr. Sandry Deucy, the La Porte County Health Officer.  She told the La Porte County Commissioners this week letters are being sent to business owners to remind them of their responsibility and to help flatten the curve during a surge in COVID-19 cases.

La Porte County Attorney Shaw Friedman says businesses could be held liable if someone contracts COVID-19 because of them not following the recommended safety guidelines.  He also said restaurants could have their food licenses pulled by the health department for non-compliance.