HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-12-07 City Council Agendas (16)
City of Palo Alto (ID # 11857)
City Council Staff Report
Report Type: Action Items Meeting Date: 12/7/2020
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Summary Title: COVID Enforcement Activities
Title: Discussion and Possible Direction to Staff Regarding City Participation
in Enforcement of State and County Health Orders and Seasonal Events
From: City Manager
Lead Department: City Manager
Recommendation
Staff recommends that Council discuss and provide direction if applicable to staff
regarding the City’s participation in enforcement of State and County Health Orders and
seasonal events.
Discussion
On Thursday, December 3, 2020, Governor Newsom announced a Regional Stay At
Home Order to respond to the unprecedented spread of COVID-19. On Friday,
December 4, the Santa Clara County Health Officer and several other Bay Area Health
Officers announced accelerated implementation of the Regional Stay At Home Order.
In Santa Clara County, this implementation takes effect on Sunday December 6.
The County of Santa Clara has requested City assistance in implementation of these and
related orders. To date, the City of Palo Alto has participated extensively in outreach
and education regarding the orders, but not directly enforced health orders other than
to refer cases to the District Attorney for enforcement. However, given the seriousness
of current community spread of COVID-19, the County is requesting all cities dedicate
resources to enforcement as well as education. City of Palo Alto enforcement would
likely involve City staff issuing administrative citations for violation of the health orders,
potentially ranging from nonpermitted business activities to members of the public
failing to wear face coverings.
Staff will provide a verbal report on this issue. Staff will also report on any other
pending requests for City participation in seasonal activities such as holiday events. This
will provide an opportunity for the City Council and members of the public to provide
input regarding our participation.