CITY OF A RVIN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAYOR
Jose Gurrola
March 18, 2020
MAYOR PRO TEM
Jazmin Robles

COUNCIL MEMBERS CITY OF ARVIN PROCLAIMS LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RESPONSE TO

Gabriela Martinez
Olivia Trujillo COVID-19
Mark Franetovich

CITY MANAGER
ARVIN, CA— On Tuesday March 17, 2020, Mayor Gurrola signed a resolution declaring a local
Jerry Breckinridge state of emergency after the Arvin City Council unanimously voted to approve the resolution in
response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A special meeting of the Arvin City Council was held last night in which the City Council ratified
a Proclamation of a Local Emergency due to the current threat of the coronavirus (COVI-19)
pandemic. Despite this action, the City continues to reassure the community that there is no reason
for panic. There have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Arvin; However, potential spread
of the virus does pose a serious potential risk to the public health. Therefore, following similar
actions taken by the President, Governor, and County, the Proclamation of a Local Emergency may
help the City qualify for reimbursement of costs associated with efforts to prevent the disease in the
community, as well as plans and actions that may become necessary to respond to and prevent the
spread of an outbreak should one occur in the future.

The City also continues to take proactive actions to protect the current and future public health of
the community. The City’s management team is currently evaluating measures to be taken to reduce
exposure to employees and residents of Arvin. These measures will more than likely include a
reduction in services to Arvin residents with City facilities being closed to the public.

The Arvin City Council also directed staff to return for additional direction regarding other items
which could affect the community, such as potential restrictions on evictions, closure of certain
facilities such as bars and gyms, limiting restaurants to to-go / curbside, waiving payments for City
utilities, and working with non-City utility providers to ensure services stay on.

The City is basing its efforts and decisions on guidelines established by the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), and Kern
County Health Department. This includes adherence to “social distancing” guidelines of 6 feet
between individuals and cancellation or postponement of events and activities where these protocols
cannot be adhered to. The City is expanding staffing and resources dedicated to the sanitation and
cleaning of City facilities.

In order for these efforts to be successful, it is urgent for all residents, businesses and organizations
to also follow these guidelines to avoid exposure to COVID-19. Wash hands frequently for 20
seconds. Avoid shaking hands and avoid close contact with anyone that is ill. Try to maintain a 6-
foot distance from others. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. If washing
Phone (661) 854-3134 facilities are not convenient, utilize hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Stay home if you
Fax (661) 854-0817
become ill and cover your mouth with a tissue or elbow when you cough. It is particularly important
200 Campus Drive for higher risk individuals, including older adults and those with chronic medical conditions, to
P.O. Box 548 follow these guidelines and avoid gatherings.
Arvin, California 93203
If you have questions, you may contact City Hall at 661-854-3134. The City will continue to provide updates
on the City’s website at www.arvin.org. Thank you for your patience and understanding.