TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution to ratify the City Manager's Proclamation of Local Emergency and ratify the Long Beach Health Officer's Declaration of Local Health Emergency regarding the serious and imminent threat of an outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
A novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province in China in December 2019. On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a public health emergency of international concern. On January 31, 2020, United States Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M. Azar II declared the COVID-19 global outbreak a public health emergency for the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on February 26, 2020, that community spread of COVID-19 is likely to occur in the United States.
On March 4, 2020, the City Public Health Officer issued a Declaration of Local Health Emergency (Declaration) (Attachment A) and the Acting City Manager issued a Proclamation of Local Emergency (Proclamation) (Attachment B). Both the Declaration and Proclamation were issued in response to the international COVID-19 outbreak and the ongoing risk and potential for widespread community transmission of COVID-19 occurring among the general public in the United States, and the imminent and proximate threat of introduction of COVID- 19 in the City of Long Beach.
While the current, local situation remains stable and there are currently no cases of COVID-19 in Long Beach, today's recommended actions will provide the City additional powers to coordinate local efforts and identify resources that may be necessary to fully address the response, in the event that the situation evolves.
What is known at this time is that the virus is spread between people primarily via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms of the virus include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, and infected individuals have experienced a range of outcomes, from mild sickness to severe illness and death. Based on the experience with other coronaviruses that cause severe respiratory illness, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently believes that symptoms appear two (2) to fourteen (14) days after exposure.
State and local law require that any declaration or proclamation of local emergency and/or local health emergency are ratified by the City Council within seven (7) days of issuance.
On March 4, 2020, California Governor Newsom declared a State of Emergency to make additional resources available, formalize emergency actions already underway across multiple state agencies and departments, and help the state prepare for broader spread of COVID-19. The Governor's proclamation waives the requirement under State law to renew a local health emergency and a local emergency for the duration of the statewide emergency.
However, if the Declaration and Proclamation are ratified by the City Council today, the City Council must review the need for a continuing the local emergency every fourteen (14) days pursuant to Long Beach Municipal Code Chapter 2.69, unless waived by the City Council. Both a local emergency and local health emergency must be terminated at the earliest possible date as the conditions warrant.
Today's action requests the City Council to ratify, and find that there is a continuing need for, both the Declaration and Proclamation. If approved, the City Council's ratification of the Declaration and Proclamation will (1) further ensure legal immunities for emergency actions taken by the City; (2) facilitate requests by the City and other local governments for State and Federal assistance under the State and Federal Disaster Assistance Programs; and (3) allow the City Manager, or authorized official, to take preventive measures necessary to protect and preserve public health and safety.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Taylor M. Anderson on March 6, 2020.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on March 10, 2020 to comply with State law.
FISCAL IMPACT
The estimated costs in responding to COVID-19 are unknown and will vary based on future outbreak. Current City costs are being covered by existing department appropriations. Staff will pursue federal and State reimbursement for all City costs incurred.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
ACTING CITY MANAGER