TITLE
Recommendation to review the need for continuing the local emergency related to the monkeypox virus, proclaimed by City Manager on August 2, 2022, and ratified by the City Council on August 9, 2022, and determine whether to terminate the local emergency at this time; and if the conditions so warrant, adopt resolution terminating the existence of a local emergency related to the monkeypox virus. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On August 9, 2022, the City Council ratified the City Manager’s August 2, 2022 proclamation of the existence of a local emergency in response to the international monkeypox (MPX) outbreak and the ongoing risk and potential for widespread community transmission of MPX occurring among the general public in the State of California as well as the City of Long Beach (City).
Monkeypox (MPX) virus 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. The Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has been administering vaccines to help prevent disease for those most at risk, and antivirals as treatment for those who develop severe illness. To date, the Health Department has administered more than 6,600 doses throughout City managed vaccination sites as well as through pop up clinics in partnership with LGBTQ partners.
As of October 25, 2022, there are 121 confirmed and probable cases of MPX in Long Beach. While the case counts in Long Beach have slowed, the Health Department foresees a surge in cases due to local events and continues to allocate extensive resources towards the efforts to control the community transmission of MPX. Allowing the local emergency proclamation to remain in effect will provide the City additional powers to coordinate local efforts and identify resources that may be necessary to fully address the response.
Today's action requests that, pursuant to LBMC Section 2.69.060, the City Council review the need for continuing the local emergency, including whether to terminate the local emergency if the conditions warrant such action. If the local emergency is not terminated, the City Council must continue to review, at least every fourteen (14) days, the need for continuing the local emergency.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Taylor M. Anderson on November 6, 2022 and the Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on November 7, 2022.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on November 15, 2022, to comply with State and local law.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for MPX mitigation has been covered by the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) and State COVID-19 Immunization grants. Sufficient funding is budgeted in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department, offset by grant revenue. Should it be determined to continue the local emergency, staff will return to the City Council for a future budget amendment. 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