Snoop Dogg attends Inglewood panel discussion on COVID-19

By John W. Davis

Contributing Writer

INGLEWOOD — Snoop Dogg and Los Angeles County Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer participated in a COVID-19 panel discussion with Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts Jr. to talk about slowing the spread of the coronavirus Aug. 27.

The panel, which was a part of the “No Butts About It Podcast with James T. Butts,” focused on how COVID-19 is impacting the city of Inglewood.

To date, there have been more than 2,500 people confirmed coronavirus cases in Inglewood, which has a population of about 110,000 people. The panel talked about a path forward after more than 80 people have died from coronavirus in Inglewood. 

Snoop Dogg revealed he believes he had coronavirus when he was extremely sick back in January. He said it felt different from the flu because he lost his sense of smell and taste.

“It’s an important opportunity to talk frankly. … We’re either part of the solution to getting to the other side or unfortunately being part of the problem,” said Ferrer.

She added that COVID-19 is disproportionately affecting Black and brown communities in Los Angeles County and said underlying conditions are playing a factor. 

“A lot of it is connected to eating,” said Snoop Dogg, who revealed his mother had a toe amputated due to diabetes. “If we could eat better, workout more (that would make a difference).”

Ferrer said the access to healthy food and safe places for children to play in their own communities is a barrier to health that needs a solution. 

Meanwhile, the legendary hip hop artist asked if you can get COVID-19 more than once. Ferrer said it is unclear if people can be infected more than once.

Ferrer said the majority of people who test positive for coronavirus don’t have any symptoms. 

If you have tested positive, even if you don’t have symptoms, Ferrer said you need to isolate for 10 days because asymptomatic people can infect others with coronavirus. 

Snoop Dogg said he was looking for clarity for whether people should or should not wear a mask.

Ferrer said face coverings are key because they protect others from a person’s respiratory droplets.

“I think in the beginning it wasn’t explained to us,” Snoop Dogg said. “Now that we’re getting real facts … it’s a must to wear a mask for yourself and others around you.”

Butts asked about the importance of developing a vaccine. 

Ferrer said a vaccine is important, but there are things people can do now to fight the virus. 

In addition to wearing a face covering, Ferrer said social distancing and washing your hands are important ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“We are lost because we don’t know who to believe but you are giving us beautiful information,” Snoop Dogg told the health director.

The COVID-19 panel discussion is archived on the city of Inglewood’s Facebook page.