TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution proclaiming a local emergency under California Government Code Section 8630 and authorizing City Manager to execute any necessary agreements with the State of California for Swine Influenza A (swH1N1) control, and ratifying the declaration of a local health emergency issued by the City Health Officer under California Health and Safety Code Section 101080. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On April 29, 2009, Helene Calvet, M.D., in her capacity as City Health Officer for the City of Long Beach, declared a local health emergency as a consequence of confirmed cases of Swine Influenza A (swH1 N1) in Mexico, California, and multiple areas of the United States (Attached). Dr. Calvet issued this declaration pursuant to the authority vested in her under California Health and Safety Code Section 101080, after consultation with public health officials and upon determining that a health emergency exists in Long Beach involving Swine Influenza A that affects, or has significant potential to negatively affect, the public's health.
Under State law, however, this declaration must be ratified by the City Council within seven (7) days. The attached Resolution ratifies the City Health Officer's declaration of local health emergency issued on April 29, 2009. In addition, the Resolution proclaims the existence of a local emergency under California Government Code Section 8630 and authorizes the City Manager to execute any necessary agreements with the State of California for Swine Influenza A (swH1N1) control. The City Council must review the continuing need for the emergency at least every fourteen (14) days and proclaim the termination of the emergency at the earliest date that conditions warrant. Since this strain of flu is new and there is no preventive based vaccine yet developed to prevent the spread in the community, a continuing state of emergency is necessary in order for the City Health Officer to take emergency measures to control the spread of this flu, such as requesting medical supplies from the Federal Strategic National Stockpile.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda Trang on April 30, 2009 and by Budget and Performance Management Bureau Manager David Wodynski on April 30, 2009.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on May 5, 2009 to adopt the Resolution declaring a local emergency, and ratifying the City Health Officer's declaration of local health emergency concerning Swine Influenza A control.
FISCAL IMPACT
There will be no fiscal impact associated with the requested action.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH PROCLAIMING THE EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY DUE TO SWINE INFLUENZA A (SWH1N1) CASES, AND RATIFYING THE DECLARATION BY THE CITY HEALTH OFFICER OF A LOCAL HEALTH EMERGENCY
Respectfully Submitted,
RONALD R. ARIAS
DIRECTOR HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
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APPROVED: |
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PATRICK H. WEST |
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CITY MANAGER |