Modesto declares emergency to respond to coronavirus, including toll on local economy
Modesto has declared a state of emergency to help it respond to the coronavirus, the pandemic in which there are 247 confirmed cases in California and five deaths.
The city issued a declaration of a local emergency and a news release Friday night.
“As the mayor of Modesto, I believe it is imperative we ensure the health, safety, and welfare of Modesto residents, businesses, visitors, and staff,” Mayor Ted Brandvold said in the release. “This declaration will aid in that endeavor and will show our community we are serious about protecting the interests of our residents and local businesses.”
City Manager Joe Lopez signed the declaration, which ensures the city has the tools and resources to stop the spread of the virus, can use mutual aid resources, and seek reimbursement for its efforts, according to the news release. The declaration is in effect for seven days and beyond that by City Council approval.
The declaration will be ratified by the council at a special meeting this coming week, according to the release.
City spokesman Thomas Reeves said in a Friday night interview that the declaration will build off the city’s work with Stanislaus County health officials and the state of California to combat the coronavirus. He said that has included banning events with 1,000 or more people.
Reeves also said the declaration lets Modesto seek any potential financial help through the state and federal government for local businesses in the event the coronavirus damages the local economy.
The California Department of Public Health reported 247 confirmed cases of the virus throughout the state, including two in Stanislaus County, as of 8 a.m. Friday. The department also reported five deaths.
The World Health Organization reported Friday that there were nearly 133,000 confirmed cases globally and nearly 5,000 deaths.
This story was originally published March 14, 2020 at 6:32 AM.
