Malibu Declares Local Emergency Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

MALIBU, CA — The Malibu City Council is holding a special meeting at City Hall at 1 p.m. Monday to ratify the Declaration of Local Emergency issued over the weekend in response to the new coronavirus.

City Manager Reva Feldman Saturday issued a Declaration of Local Emergency regarding COVID-19. The emergency proclamation enables the city to take additional legal, operational, and recovery measures that may be needed to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, the news release said. The agenda for the meeting is available on the City website and obligated by law, the public will be able to participate in the meeting in person, the City said.

In order to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus, the public is strongly encouraged to watch the live-stream on the city website and YouTube, and submit written correspondence to cityclerk@malibucity.org in lieu of attending the meeting.

Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

The March 23 Council meeting will be cancelled. Certain items from the March 23 Regular Meeting agenda have been moved to the March 16 agenda, the City said.

As of Sunday, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health identified 69 cases of coronavirus, 10 of which are likely due to community transmission. Five of the cases confirmed Sunday are hospitalized. L.A. County residents should be aware and practice social distancing, the City of Malibu said.

"We anticipate more cases and increased community spread as more testing occurs and we are asking everyone to expect more social distancing requirements as more cases are identified," Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said.

Support Local Businesses

"The City joins with the Malibu Chamber of Commerce in encouraging residents and visitors to support Malibu’s local small businesses and restaurants, while following the recommended social distancing and hygiene precautions," the City said. "Visit Malibu.org and follow #WORLDSTRONG #MALIBUSTRONG and #FLATTENTHECURVE for more information."

Malibu Foundation and Mighty Underdogs Offer Assistance

Malibu Foundation is teaming up with Mighty Underdogs to offer door-to-door delivery service to those most in need, including the elderly, immunocompromised, immobile or in medical or self-quarantine. Complete a request form here or text COVID to 833-407-0117.

City Hall By Appointment Only Starting Today

As of Monday, Malibu City Hall will be opened to the public by appointment only. Although City Hall and all public counters will be closed to the public, staff will be available to assist anyone with City business including plan review, permit issuance and building inspection. The public is encouraged to call or email City staff to make appointments.

To make appointments, please call or email:

• Building Safety Department (including Environmental Health, Coastal Engineering and Geotechnical Engineering): Call 310-456-2489, ext. 390 or Email mbuilding@malibucity.org.
• Planning Department (including Biology): Call 310-456-2489, ext. 485 or Email mplanning@malibucity.org
• Public Works Department: Call 310-456-2489, ext. 391 or Email mPublicWorks@malibucity.org
• All other City business: Call 310-456-2489, ext. 392 or Email info@malibucity.org

Other Important Information:

• The Senior Center is closed. City staff is available for assistance by calling 310-456-2489, ext. 357.
• The Malibu Dial-a-Ride program continues to operate, and Dial-A-Ride vehicles are regularly disinfected.
• All L.A. County Libraries, including Malibu Community Library, are closed. Online services are available here.
• All SMMUSD schools closed.
• The City of Malibu has also canceled all non-essential meetings, events and programs to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Preparedness and Response

"The City of Malibu continues to monitor the status of the coronavirus and implement measures to protect public health and safety," the City said. "There are currently no known cases of coronavirus in Malibu."

The City is encouraging residents to be prepared with three weeks of food, medication and toiletries on hand for family and pets in case you need to stay home. Residents should also connect with neighbors, particularly seniors or those who are immunocompromised, to see if they need help.

"These individuals are at higher risk and Governor Newsom is calling for all seniors and individuals with chronic conditions to home-isolate," the City of Malibu said.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC's recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Related Coverage:

• What You Need To Know About California's Lockdown Of Seniors And The Chronically Ill
• California Coronavirus: Live Updates On Cases, Updates, Closures