To do our part in helping to slow the spread of the COVID 19 virus, the City of Rancho Santa Margarita is suspending programs and activities at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center through the end of March.
To do our part in helping to slow the spread of the COVID 19 virus, and in coordination with recent health guidelines, the City of Rancho Santa Margarita is suspending senior services at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center effective immediately through the end of March. All other programming and activities, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley, at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center, will be suspended and/or canceled beginning Monday, March 16, 2020, through the end of March.
City Hall will remain open, and Public Counter hours will continue as scheduled. The City’s Passport Acceptance Facility services are temporarily suspended because we are unable to accommodate social distancing guidelines.
On Wednesday, March 11, 2020, the California Department of Public Health issued guidelines regarding public gatherings to protect public health and slow the rate of transmission of COVID-19.
“This was an extremely difficult decision to make,” said Mayor Brad McGirr. “Suspending activities at the Bell Tower is unprecedented, and not something I take lightly. Considering the rapidly evolving health crisis that is affecting us all, and given the recent pronouncements from the CDC, Gov. Newsom, and public health officials, we’re taking this step in the interests of public safety, with particular concern for our most vulnerable population – our seniors, our youth, and those with chronic medical conditions.”
City Council meetings will continue as scheduled; however, agenda items will be limited to essential or time-sensitive City business items only until further notice. Other public meetings will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Closure of the BTRCC or suspension of programs beyond March 31st will be further evaluated upon information and guidance provided by the California Department of Public Health and the Orange County Health Care Agency.
Additional information will be provided via the City Web site, social media sites, and the City’s e-newsletter. The public is also encouraged to follow proper health protocols and to review the information provided by the County of Orange Health Care Agency.