REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution Ratifying the City Manager's Proclamation of a Local Health Emergency in Response to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus
Report
BACKGROUND
An outbreak of pneumonia in Wuhan, China was reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) on December 31, 2019. An illness caused by a novel coronavirus called COVID-19 was soon identified as the cause. 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. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes that symptoms appear two to fourteen days after exposure. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19.
CDC response guidance requires extraordinary efforts to manage ongoing COVID-19 risk, including limiting public gatherings. In the United States, there are nearly 1,000 cases across 38 states, including 29 deaths. In Santa Clara County, there are 48 confirmed cases and one death. Due to the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in the State of California on March 4 and the County of Santa Clara declared a local state of emergency on March 5. As of March 11, the WHO publicly characterized COVID-19 as a global pandemic with cases detected in more than 100 locations internationally.
EXISTING POLICY
Council Policy 2.4.1, Policy 1 - Emergency Planning and Coordination: Provide an integrated approach to planning and management for emergencies and disasters.
Sunnyvale Municipal Code Chapter 2.16 Emergency Organization and Functions, which provide for the preparation and carrying out of plans for the protection of persons and property within this city in the event of an emergency; the direction of the emergency organization; and the coordination of the emergency functions of this city with all other public agencies, corporations, organizations, and affected private persons. (Ord. 1792-75 ?...
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