San Luis Obispo city leaders are declaring a local emergency as the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread and impact the community.
The declaration will allow the city access to state and federal funds related to COVID-19, should they be made available by government officials. It also give the city manager the power to efficiently allocated necessary resources to help the community during the health crisis.
This announcement comes a week after the state of California and San Luis Obispo County declared a state of emergency.
Local leaders in San Luis Obispo say they have already taken the following actions to mitigate the spread of the illness:
- Developed a Continuity of Operations Plan to ensure essential City services such as public safety, water and wastewater will remain in place
- Provided regular updates to the public
- Postponed or canceled special events and gatherings
- Canceled non-essential public meetings
- Implemented safety guidelines for City employees and supporting employees to work from home
- Temporarily closed City facilities
- Temporarily prohibited alcohol sales at on-site alcohol-serving establishments in the city during the St. Patrick's Day holiday
- Adjusted City bus routes to reflect local school closures and enacted measures for employee and rider safety
- Placed handwashing stations outside of City Hall
San Luis Obispo's Emergency Operation Center has been up and running since Tuesday. It is meant to be a central location to coordinate services and resources to protect people during the pandemic.
