To take the actions necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare within the City, and to allow the City to access potential reimbursement by the county, state, and federal governments, the City has proclaimed a local emergency.
In order for the City to promptly address, prepare for and take the actions necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare within the City, and to allow the City to access potential reimbursement by the county, state, and federal governments, the City of Rancho Santa Margarita has proclaimed a local emergency. Residents and businesses within the City are experiencing extreme impacts from county, state and federal recommendations and guidelines as they respond to the COVID-19 health crisis. This health crisis is affecting every aspect of daily lives, and is anticipated to exhaust the available health and public safety resources, both locally and regionally. Cities throughout Orange County, the County of Orange, the State of California and the Federal Government have all proclaimed States of Emergency, demonstrating the magnitude of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"This emergency proclamation is necessary to help ensure continuity of public services and our ability to keep our community safe," said Rancho Santa Margarita City Manager Jennifer Cervantez. "The City is closely following recommendations from the federal, state and county governments to ensure that we take all prudent steps to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19.”
For the duration of this local emergency, the powers, functions, and duties of the emergency organization of this City are prescribed by state law and local ordinances, including the City’s Emergency Operations Plan. The emergency declaration must be ratified by the City Council within seven days to continue beyond the initial seven-day period.
The City will continue to monitor and follow 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 information provided by the County of Orange Health Care Agency.
March 16, 2020 Proclamation
March 16, 2020 Press Release