TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution to ratify City Manager’s Proclamation of Local Emergency regarding the serious and imminent threat of monkeypox virus (MPV). (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Monkeypox is a virus that is typically reported in Central and West Africa, making this virus endemic to those areas. Cases that occur outside of these endemic areas are typically linked to international travel. However, on May 7, 2022, reports of monkeypox cases in Europe and other non-endemic countries began to surface. Since May 2022, there are now more than 6,300 confirmed cases in the United States. As of August 2, 2022, there are over 1,100 confirmed and probable cases in the state of California. On July 23, 2022 the World Health Organization declared the MPV outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. On August 1, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency in response to the MPV.
On August 2, 2022, the City Manager issued a Proclamation of Local Emergency (Proclamation) (Attachment A), in response to the international MPV outbreak and the ongoing risk and potential for widespread community transmission of MPV occurring among the general public in the State of California as well as the City of Long Beach (City).
As of August 2, 2022, there are 22 confirmed and probable cases of monkeypox in Long Beach. While the case counts in Long Beach remain low, today’s recommended actions will provide the City with additional powers to coordinate local efforts, quickly distribute additional vaccine as it becomes available, and identify resources that may be necessary to fully address the response as cases continue to increase and the situation evolves.
MPV is similar to smallpox but causes less severe disease. Illness initially may include flu-like symptoms then progress to a rash that spreads over the body and can last two to four weeks. The virus can be spread person-to-person through prolonged face-to-face contact, direct contact with the lesions or body fluid, or sharing contaminated items such as bedding and clothes. The current cases being reported do not have a travel history to endemic areas and many cases have reported sexual contact, primarily among men who have sex with men. Vaccines and antivirals are available to help prevent disease for those most at risk, and treatment for those who develop severe illness.
State and local law require that any proclamation of local emergency (Proclamation) is ratified by the City Council within seven (7) days of issuance. If the Proclamation is ratified by the City Council today, the City Council must review the need for continuing the local emergency every fourteen (14) days pursuant to Long Beach Municipal Code Chapter 2.69. A local emergency must be terminated at the earliest possible date as the conditions warrant.
This action requests the City Council to ratify, and find that there is a continuing need for, the Proclamation. If approved, the City Council's ratification of the 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 August 2, 2022 and by Budget Operations and Development Officer Rhutu Amin Gharib on August 3, 2022.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on August 9, 2022 to comply with State law.
FISCAL IMPACT
The estimated costs in responding to MPV outbreak are currently unknown and will vary based on future outbreaks and coordination of local efforts. Current City costs are being covered by existing appropriations within the Health and Human Services Department. City staff will pursue federal and State reimbursement for all City costs incurred to the extent possible. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
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Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER