The declaration was made on March 16, following the first reported diagnosis of COVID-19 in Arcadia. – Courtesy photo / Beacon Media News
By Galen Patterson
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Arcadia has declared a state of emergency.
The declaration was made on March 16, following the first reported diagnosis of COVID-19 in Arcadia.
On Tuesday, March 17, during the City Council meeting, the council chose to ratify the declaration.
The effects of the state of emergency declaration are intended to make life easier for Arcadians during the time of crisis, like relaxed overnight parking enforcement and stopping utility shut-offs for non-payment.
All public buildings have been closed; Santa Anita is still racing but is not allowing anyone to visit the racetrack to watch the races. Bars and restaurants have been closed to indoor patrons, but many restaurants have chosen to continue serving to-go plates to keep their business going during the crisis.
The council members telephoned in to attend the meeting, while the mayor, city attorney and city manager still physically attended the meeting.
All council members wished well upon their city and offered an example of social distancing as well as tips on how to support one another during the COVID-19 scare.
In addition to the state of emergency, council passed an item which allows the city to access $50,000 to use in any way it sees fit to mitigate the damage caused by COVID-19.
City officials say they plan to use this money on an as-needed basis for emergency response.
City manager Dominic Lazzaretto also stated that the case reported in Arcadia is not at Methodist Hospital in Arcadia, but instead is in an unknown location, either quarantined in their home or being cared for in another facility.
