In December 2019, reports began spreading of a flu-like virus that was more deadly than the flu generally. This virus became known as the Coronavirus (“COVID-19”).
From January 2020 to March 2020, COVID-19 spread throughout the world, with over 114,000 confirmed cases of individuals contracting COVID-19, and over 4,000 confirmed cases of individuals dying from COVID-19.
On or about March 4, 2020, as part of the State of California’s response to address the global COVID-19 outbreak, Governor Gavin 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 following one official COVID-19 death.
On March 6, 2020, the County Administrative Officer of Monterey County (“County CAO”) proclaimed a Local Emergency due to the threat of COVID-19 in the County.
On March 10, 2020, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services quarantined in Monterey County up to 24 cruise ship passengers who recently disembarked from the Grand Princess cruise ship in Oakland, California, which had over 20 confirmed cases of COVID-19 onboard.
As of March 11, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) has confirmed 938 cases of COVID-19 in the United States, with 29 cases resulting in death, with thirty-nine (39) jurisdictions reporting cases, including California.
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (“WHO”) classified the spread of COVID-19 internationally as a global pandemic.
On March 12, 2020 at 10:26am, City Administrator Rerig signed a Proclamation of the Existence of a Local Emergency due to impacts from the spread of COVID-19. The declaration will allow the City Administrator, as the Director of Emergency Services, to exercise all of the powers and duties articulated in CMC Section 2.64.060.
Staff recommends that Council ratify the City Administrator Proclamation of the Existence of a Local Emergency with the attached resolution.