Concord City Manager Valerie Barone today declared a local state of emergency in response to the public health crisis resulting from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The City also opened its emergency operations center (EOC) at the lowest activation level to provide coordination of the City’s response to the pandemic.
Declaring a local state of emergency allows the City Manager to adjust and reallocate City resources as needed, and it allows the City to access state and federal resources and apply for reimbursement of costs related to responding to this pandemic. The Concord City Council is expected to ratify this proclamation next week.
“Our community is facing an unprecedented public health crisis that requires swift action,” said Concord Mayor Tim McGallian. “We are working closely with our local and state partners to determine how best to keep our residents and our staff safe. Although these measures may feel burdensome, we must do our part to encourage the social distancing that is required to slow the spread of this disease and preserve critical care capacity for those who need it most.”
In an extraordinary effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus, the City of Concord will implement the following, effective immediately:
- Cancel all indoor and outdoor City-sponsored programs, classes, activities and events through May 1
- Suspend all preschool programs through May 1
- Cancel all indoor and outdoor City facility rentals through May 1
- Close certain facilities to the public: Centre Concord, Willow Pass Center, and Concord Community Pool
- Limit access to other public buildings, including the Police Department, City Hall, and the Senior Center, to adhere to 6-foot social distancing mandates for the health and safety of the public and City employees
- Cancel the farmers’ market at Todos Santos Plaza through May 1
- Cancel all non-essential public meetings
The City will regularly reevaluate its COVID-19 response measures, and they may be modified or prolonged as needed.
City Council and Planning Commission meetings will continue. However, agendas will be limited to essential business only, and access to the Council Chamber will be limited in order to adhere to the 6-foot social distancing guidelines set forth by the California Department of Public Health. City staff is also evaluating options for remote participation (i.e. teleconferencing) by the Council as well as the public as an alternative to in-person participation.
The Diablo Creek Golf Course will remain open until further notice. City Parks and open space remain accessible during daylight hours; however, residents are reminded they must observe social distancing in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order.
City leaders are meeting continually to evaluate this public health crisis and will continue to implement measures consistent with County and State public health mandates and guidelines.
Members of the public are strongly urged to follow public health guidelines: wash hands frequently, maintain 6-foot social distancing, and avoid large gatherings.
The City will continue to update its social media channels and coronavirus web page to provide information about Concord’s response to the pandemic: www.cityofconcord.org/covid19.
For the most up to date information on the Coronavirus COVID-19 please visit www.coronavirus.cchealth.org or www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.