Coronavirus: Rolling Hills Estates Declares Local Emergency

ROLLING HILLS ESTATES, CA — The City of Rolling Hills Estates issued a local emergency proclamation Tuesday in response to the novel coronavirus. The proclamation, signed by City Manager Greg Grammer, will enhance the City’s ability to access federal and state funding for COVID-19 responses, the City news release said.

The local emergency is now in effect and a resolution to ratify it will be considered by the City Council at its March 24 meeting. City Managers can declare local emergencies, with ratifications by the City Council within seven days, the news release said.

"The City issued this proclamation as a necessary step in its efforts to align with federal and state emergency management, to access state and federal resources, and to partner with our neighboring cities on a common cause," Grammer said. "The City will continue to take proactive steps to protect the health and safety of our community. With that, we continue to urge residents, businesses and visitors to follow the guidance of health, state and federal officials in remaining calm, staying home if you are sick, avoiding non-essential gatherings of 10 or more, and continuing to practice social distancing."

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The proclamation follows the national emergency declaration Friday, where it was announced that $50 billion in emergency funding would be made available to help state and local governments in preventing the spread of and addressing the effects of COVID-19, the news release said.

The City activated its Emergency Operations Center Monday, which allows staff to monitor and respond to this "rapidly changing situation," the City said. City staff will continue to correspond with public health and safety officials and share important information with the community on the City of Rolling Hills Estates website.

City has closed City Hall offices to the public as a precautionary measure. Staff is still available for

essential services Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday from 7:30
a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by calling 310-377-1577 or by emailing staff from the directory.
The City will notify residents if these hours and operations change.

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.

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