City of Menlo Park takes action on COVID-19

By Michael G. Stogner

Menlo Park Council Meeting March 11, 2020

The City of Menlo Park has Declared a Local State of Emergency in response to the rapid spread of COVID-19 in San Mateo County.

There is no vaccine for the COVID-19 Virus. The only method to slow it down from overwhelming the Healthcare System and Healthcare workers is Aggressive Social Distancing Immediately.

Posted on: March 11, 2020

Menlo Park declares local emergency; closes public facilities, programs over COVID-19

On March 10, 2020, the San Mateo County Health Officer issued an updated statement that acknowledged “evidence of widespread community transmission of COVID-19 in San Mateo County.” On March 11, City Manager Starla Jerome-Robinson, under Menlo Park Municipal Code Chapter 2.44, signed a Proclamation of Local Emergency within the city of Menlo Park to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

During its special meeting this evening, the City Council unanimously voted to ratify the proclamation of local emergency in Menlo Park, authorizing the City Manager to adopt emergency orders or regulations to ensure the health and well-being of the public and to mitigate the effects of the local emergency. The City Council further directed staff to take immediate action to temporarily close public facilities and suspend programs.

Effective immediately, city facilities will be closed to the public, with the exception of senior services and childcare centers, which will close at the end of business, Friday, March 13. This is to allow patrons, participants and parents to make alternate arrangements over the weekend.

“The health and safety of our employees, residents and businesses remains the highest priority. We encourage those who are sick or who are at higher risk for serious illness to stay at home,” said City Manager Starla Jerome-Robinson. “This proclamation provides us the flexibility to position resources and to best address this public health crisis.” 

“This is a global outbreak that requires us to prepare for significant disruptions to our daily lives. We must take action now. The health and safety of the Menlo Park community is our highest priority. Our neighbors, friends and family can work together through neighborhood associations, CERT and emergency preparedness classes. When we are informed, we are stronger together and more resilient. Preparedness and prevention is our best defense,” said Mayor Cecilia Taylor.

This local emergency shall continue until it is terminated by proclamation of the City Council. Pursuant to Section 8630 of the Government Code, the City Council shall proclaim the termination of a local emergency at the earliest possible date that conditions warrant. The need for continuing this local emergency shall be reviewed within 60 days by the City Council.

For the latest updates, visit menlopark.org/coronavirus and subscribe to “Menlo Park City News” at menlopark.org/notifyme. Updates and information are also shared on the city social mediaaccounts, including Facebook, Twitter and Nextdoor.