On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared that the COVID-19 outbreak should be characterized as a pandemic. On March 13, 2020, Greg Abbott, the Governor of the State of Texas issued a proclamation that declared COVID-19 as an imminent threat of disaster. On or around March 15, 2020, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued revised guidance regarding social distancing and mass gatherings of 10 or more people.
City staff and personnel continue to work with the state, federal, local authorities and our emergency management team to pay close attention to the federal government's response to the Coronavirus issue. The City has taken measures to close/cancel facilities and events through April 5, 2020. The city has canceled all non-essential boards and commission meetings as well as any City sponsored social events and activities through this time as well.
We believe that limiting staff interaction with the public is crucial at this point, and as such, effective immediately, the lobby doors at all City facilities except the Police Department. Building 1, aka City Hall, will be closed but the drive through window will continue to be open. Notices of closures have been placed on City related buildings.
On Friday, March 20, 2020, Mayor Gutierrez proclaimed and signed a Declaration of Public Health Emergency to be effective at 11:59 p.m. and until March 27, 2020, for the City of Schertz. The purpose of this Ordinance is to be able to extend the Declaration of Public Health Emergency for 60 days.
On Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Mayor and City Council passed an Ordinance extending a Declaration of Public Health Emergency to be effective at 11:59 p.m. and until April 14, 2020. Also, at this meeting it was discussed by Council to have this item placed on future agendas for discussion and possible actions.
The Mayor has made a Declaration of Public Health Emergency, and further declared all rules and regulations that may inhibit or prevent prompt response to this threat suspended for the duration of the incident. The local state of disaster and public health emergency declared by Mayor Ralph Gutierrez for the City of Schertz, Texas, pursuant to §418.108(a) of the Texas Government Code and renewed and extended to May 5, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. by City Council Ordinance 20-H-09 pursuant to §418.108(b) of the Government Code, including all rules and regulation attached hereto as Exhibit A, is hereby further extended until May 5, 2020.
On Monday, April 27, 2020 the Governor spoke and provide updates regarding the re-openings of retail businesses. On April 28th Mayor Gutierrez presented and Council passed Ordinance No. 20-H-15 which extended the declaration of Public Health Emergency until 11:59 p.m. May 26, 2020. |