Title
Chief Administrative Office recommending the Board of Supervisors receive on update on the status of COVID cases in El Dorado County and provide direction to staff regarding enforcement against businesses and individuals who fail to comply with state and local health requirements.
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On March 12, 2020, the County’s Public Health Officer declared a local health emergency based on an imminent and proximate threat to public health from the introduction of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the County of El Dorado. The Board of Supervisors ratified the local health emergency on March 17, 2020 and such emergency shall remain in effect until terminated by the Board of Supervisors.
On March 12, 2020, the Director of the Office of Emergency Services proclaimed a local emergency based on conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property within the territorial limits of the County of El Dorado as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; and the Board of Supervisors ratified the local emergency on March 17, 2020. This emergency shall remain in effect until terminated by the Board of Supervisors.
On March 18, 2020, the Governor of the State of California executed Executive Order N-32-20 declaring that the COVID-19 emergency required a focused approach that would include emergency protective measures to bring “unsheltered Californians safely indoors, expand shelter capacity, maintain health and sanitation standards and institute medically indicated interventions” to slow the spread of the pandemic.
Through the state budget process El Dorado County was allocated approximately $19.7 million in CARES Act funding to offset the impact of COVID-19. In addition, on July 6, 2020, El Dorado County was informed we would receive approximately $2.8 million to backfill lost revenue for our realignment programs, including Social Services, Public Health, Behavioral Health and Public Safety. In order to receive these funds, the County Executive is required to submit two attestations by July 10th that we are adhering to all federal, state, and local health orders.
In a letter dated July 1, 2020, the Governor issued a letter to all California Elected Offices (see attached) stating violations of orders issued under the Emergency Services Act are a misdemeanor and “calling on all elected officials to remain vigilant in the efforts to protect the health and safety of our communities, and more importantly, to ensure compliance with the state’s public health orders and utilize the authorities entrusted in you to protect your communities.” The letter also states, “A local government that refuses to abide by, ensure compliance with, or take enforcement action against noncompliance with these statewide public health directives, or that takes action that is otherwise incongruent with these directives, could jeopardize their eligibility for state funding.”
ALTERNATIVES
N/A
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
Legistar 20-0526 - Updates on operational impacts of COVID-19.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
HHSA/Public Health
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENT
It is recommended the Board receive and file the presentation and direct county departments to begin administrative enforcement actions.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
If enforcement actions are not taken, it may result in the loss of up to $22.5 million.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Good Governance & Healthy Communities.
CONTACT
Don Ashton, Chief Administrative Officer