Los Altos Partially Activates Emergency Operations Center in Response to COVID-19
Los Altos, Calif. – March 13, 2020 – Following today's recent guidance by the Santa Clara County Public Health Department, the City is currently evaluating the latest orders and will implement further preventive measures. This includes the partial activation of the Emergency Operations Center starting this Monday, March 16.
“The current situation is rapidly evolving throughout the County and the world, and the City is taking all necessary steps to protect the Los Altos community,” said Mayor Pepper. “We understand these actions may cause changes to our daily lives; the City’s duty first and foremost is to ensure the health and safety of the community and staff and implementing these actions will help in achieving that.”
The City has already taken active steps to slow the potential spread of COVID-19 in the Los Altos community by issuing the declaration of a local emergency, postponing agenda items that are not time-sensitive, implementing social distancing at City facility public counters, canceling programs for senior citizens, all non-essential travel by City staff, all City-sponsored events likely to result in a mass gathering, and all Commission meetings until further notice.
The emergency proclamation issued yesterday by City Manager, Chris Jordan, will go before City Council on March 17, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. for ratification. Per California Executive Order N-25-20, the City Council will meet in a separate location, located either in the Council Chambers or Council will participate by phone. Community members can attend in the Los Altos Youth Center (LAYC) where comments will be relayed by phone. Additionally, Council will accept emails, which will be read into the record at the meeting. In accordance with the County’s latest guidance, community members experiencing symptoms of a respiratory virus will not be permitted to attend and are encouraged to view the proceedings on the City’s website.
The City of Los Altos is continuing to closely monitor direction from the Santa Clara County Public Health Department and will follow guidance for the health and safety of the Los Altos community and City staff.
