The City of Fillmore has declared a Local Emergency due to the Public Health threat caused by Coronavirus (COVID-19). Although there are still zero confirmed cases in Fillmore, the declaration is out of an abundance of caution to protect the health, safety, and welfare of our community members and employees. This action is in response to the Ventura County Public Health Department’s recent announcement declaring a local emergency and the Governor’s recent declaration of a state of emergency. The City of Fillmore’s emergency declaration will enable City officials and staff to mobilize resources, formalize an emergency action and contingency plan, and obtain additional resources should an outbreak occur in the City.

As of March 12th, 95 people have been tested by the Ventura County Public Health Lab for COVID-19, 2 results are pending confirmation and 22 travelers are on home quarantine. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that is easily spread through personal contact, which can lead to serious illness or death for vulnerable members of the community.

The City of Fillmore is following the Ventura County Public Health Department’s latest recommendations and the State’s public health experts to cancel and postpone community events and gatherings where large groups are expected. Consequently, the City of Fillmore is implementing the following precautionary measures:

- Cancellation and postponement of March, April and May community events including
Saint Patrick’s Day Fun Run, Easter Egg Hunt, Community Art Show, and the May Festival.
- Any facility rentals will still be held as scheduled.
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We apologize for any inconvenience these measures may have caused, however the well-being of our community and staff is the City’s highest priority. Please visit our social media page and website fillmoreca.gov for up to date information or vcemergency.com

Community members are strongly encouraged to follow the Ventura County Public Health Department’s recommendations to protect themselves from the COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses highlighted below:

- If you have mild symptoms, there may be no need to go to a medical facility to see a doctor.
- Certain patients, such as the elderly, those that are immune compromised or have underlying health conditions should call their doctor.

- Primary care doctors are the point of contact for COVID-19 testing. You do not need to call Public Health to request COVID-19 testing. Your doctor will make the decision to test at one of the local private labs and if the test is positive your doctor will contact Public Health for confirmation.

- If you have questions, please call the clinic or your doctor before going in. If you do not have a healthcare provider, call 211 for assistance finding support near you.

- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

- Get immunized against the flu to protect yourself and your family, and reduce the potential strain on the healthcare system, which may be impacted by COVID-19 concerns.

- Stay home if you are sick.
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A PROCLAMATION OF THE EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY BY THE DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY SERVICES PURSUANT TO FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 15.04.060(A)(1), CALIFORNIA (COVID-19)

WHEREAS, in December 2019, an outbreak of respiratory illness due to a novel coronavirus (a disease now known as COVID-19) was first identified in Wuhan City, Hubie Province, China; and

WHEREAS, COVID-19 has since spread outside of China, impacting more than 75 countries, including the United States; and

WHEREAS, the California Department of Public Health has activated its Medical and Health Coordination Center, and the Office of Emergency Services recently activated the State Operations Center to provide support and guide actions to preserve public health; and

WHEREAS, on March 4, 2020, Governor Newson declared the existence of a state of emergency for the State of California; and,

WHEREAS, on March 12, 2020, the County declared the existence of a local emergency for Ventura County; and,

WHEREAS, it is imperative to prepare for and respond to suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases within the City, and to prepare to respond to an increasing number or individuals who may require medical care; and

WHEREAS, California Government Code Sections 8558 and 8630, et seq., and Fillmore Municipal Code Section 15.04.060(a)(1) empower the City’s Director of Emergency Services to declare a local emergency if the City Council is not in session; and

WHEREAS, the City Manager of the City of Fillmore is designated as the Director of
Emergency Services pursuant to Municipal Code Section 15.04.050(a); and

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Fillmore is not in session and cannot immediately be called into session; and

WHEREAS, strict compliance with certain Fillmore Municipal Code and other City regulations could prevent, hinder, or delay appropriate actions to prevent and mitigate the effects of the COVID-19, which issue cannot be timely addressed absent a declaration of emergency; and

WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, the City’s Director of Emergency Services declared a local emergency thereby activating the Emergency Operations Center due to threats to people within the City from COVID-19, which threats are likely to be beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment and facilities of the City and will likely require the combined forces of the other political subdivisions of the county, state and federal government; and

WHEREAS, per Government Code Section 8630 a local emergency declared by the Director of Emergency Services shall not remain in effect for a period in excess of seven days unless it has been ratified by the City Council.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED THAT the Director of Emergency Services, hereby declare as follows:

SECTION 1. That there is proclaimed a state of local emergency to exist in the City of Fillmore, California, due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

SECTION 2. That this state of local emergency will continue for no more than seven days unless the City Council ratifies this proclamation.

SECTION 3. That as of March 13, 2020, all City departments are directed to take those actions, measures and steps deemed necessary to assure the safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the City of Fillmore including requesting mutual aid to the extent such aid is necessary.

David W. Rowlands, Director of Emergency Services
ATTEST: Oliva Lopez, City Clerk