To: Board of Supervisors
From: Sheriff
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Ratification of Local Emergency Proclamation due to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Ratify the resolution proclaiming the existence of a local emergency due to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency on or about March 11, 2020.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund
DISCUSSION:
On Jan. 31, 2020, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M. Azar II declared a public health emergency for the United States to aid the nation’s health care community in responding to COVID-19. On March 4, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency for California in response to the global COVID-19 outbreak. On March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic. On March 11, 2020 the Humboldt County Health Officer, Dr. Teresa Frankovich declared the existence of a local health emergency. On March 13, President Donald J. Trump declared COVID-19 a national emergency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has determined that the virus presents a serious public health threat.
As of April 1, 2020, Humboldt County has 28 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and there is an imminent threat of increased case numbers. The imminent threat posed by aforesaid conditions warrant and necessitate the proclamation of a local emergency to enable the County of Humboldt and other local government entities to adequately plan, prepare and preposition resources to be able to effectively respond to the threat posed by COVID-19, and to warn Humboldt County residents and visitors of the threat posed by COVID-19 and enable them sufficient time to plan and prepare.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The ratification of the resolution allows for the county to seek state and federal reimbursement for costs associated with the COVID-19 response. The amount of funding depends on the agencies that assist, including the State of California and federal government.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework by providing for and maintaining infrastructure.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
State of California and United States federal government
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board of Supervisors may choose not to ratify the Resolution, however, that would preclude the county from seeking outside assistance from emergency programs to provide funding and reimbursement for the COVID-19 response.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution proclaiming the existence of a local emergency due to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency on or about March 11, 2020 as executed by Sheriff William F. Honsal on March 31, 2020.
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A