FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Hannah Shin-Heydorn, City Manager
Thursday, March 19, 2020 562-989-7300
City of Signal Hill Declares Local Emergency in Response to COVID-19
SIGNAL HILL – City Manager Hannah Shin-Heydorn, in her authority as Director of Emergency Services, issued a proclamation of local emergency in the City of Signal Hill in accordance with California Government Code 8630 and the Signal Hill Municipal Code in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The City joins the State of California, the County of Los Angeles, and many other cities throughout California in taking this step. The emergency proclamation will be considered for ratification by the Signal Hill City Council at its next meeting on Tuesday, March 24.
City Manager Shin-Heydorn stated, “Issuing a proclamation of local emergency follows actions already taken by the State and the County and positions the City of Signal Hill for possible reimbursement from State and Federal agencies for costs incurred during this public health emergency. In addition, the proclamation allows for greater management flexibility associated with the assignment of City employees as disaster service workers.”
Mayor Lori Y. Woods stated, “As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, our dedicated staff are taking the necessary actions to protect the community while ensuring ongoing government operations. I know I speak for the entire City Council when I express our concern for the safety and well-being of our community members during this uncertain time.”
Police Chief Christopher Nunley stated, “Your Police Department is closely monitoring issues related to COVID-19 in the Signal Hill community and responding to protect public health and safety. Today’s proclamation will enable the City to take additional legal, operational, and recovery measures that may be needed to respond to COVID-19.”
The local emergency will continue until terminated by the Signal Hill City Council.
The City of Signal Hill is diligently monitoring the evolving situation surrounding COVID-19. The City is under the jurisdiction of the L.A. County Department of Public Health, and we are committed to following all directives and guidance from County, State, and Federal health officials.
We can all do our part to prevent the spread of this new virus. Stay home when you are not feeling well, wash your hands regularly, avoid close contact with those who are ill, and practice good health hygiene.
We encourage you to use trusted sources for information on COVID-19. Visit http://www.cityofsignalhill.org/coronavirus for the latest information and guidelines on how to stay healthy. You can also dial 2-1-1 for information directly from the L.A. County Public Health Department.